Low-cost Chinese knockoffs burning maker of Zippo lighters

Times Leader/AP Wire ^ | 8/3/2004

[BJungNan]

that the Zippo company values patriotism (or nationalism) ahead of profits.

OK, so they have made their choice. They will now have to live with it.

So there is no confusion on my position, I am not advocating that they shut down in the U.S. And, they should continue to manufacture in the U.S. for their North American sales. But, for their sales in Asia, if they want to compete, they are going to have to set up there. A zippo lighter selling for $25.00 in China is going to see very few sales.

Again, the knock offs is a big problem and it should be stopped. But unless I am mistaken, the Zippo design can be copied without the Zippo logo being affixed and it will not be an infrindgement. How does Zippo intend to address this competitive challenge?

[Centurion2000]

I like Zippo and they make a product that is great ... but I think the patents on them have expired long ago.

[telebob]

I am the proud owner of an Operation Iraqi Freedom commemorative issue Zippo. I use it everyday and carry it with me everywhere.

[newgeezer]

And, they should continue to manufacture in the U.S. for their North American sales. But, for their sales in Asia, if they want to compete, they are going to have to set up there.

I suppose that depends on how much it costs to ship them overseas (including the cost of carrying the inventory). Maybe all they have to do to "compete" is lower their price and/or quality for that market. Because, if there's much labor cost in a Zippo lighter, it's time to bring their process into the 21st Century.

But unless I am mistaken, the Zippo design can be copied without the Zippo logo being affixed and it will not be an infrindgement.

That was my first thought. But, there surely must be some patent legalities surrounding this. Otherwise, Zippo (and the "tough" Bush administration) would have no case.

[BJungNan]

I suppose that depends on how much it costs to ship them overseas (including the cost of carrying the inventory). Maybe all they have to do to "compete" is lower their price and/or quality for that market.

If they are going to sell into the Chinese market, they will have to set up in China to be competitive. And it will have to be their wholly owned operation (no joint venture or contract packaging arrangements). Setting up there will present many challenges. They will need to be smart and they will have to station one of their people from the U.S. at the factory - not just make periodic visits.

Not likely they can lower their price and the Chinese will not accept a lower quality. Certainly there are cheap knock-offs being sold, but also some good quality copies with differneces that only someone familiar with Zippo manufacturing techniques would pick up on.