I deeply empathize with people who've had their IP stolen by offshore entities.
But, especially with big manufacturers like Cisco (mentioned in the article), a lot of the problems are of their own doing. There is an ancient proverb: as you sow, so shall you reap.
So, what the fuck did those big companies think would happen to their designs once they shipped them off to China to manufacture? Or, even better, after they subcontracted the actual design of their products to offshore entities?
Surprise ... surprise ... surprise ... there are plenty of smart engineers and plenty of greedy capitalists to be found all over Asia. Why did you give them such a head start with your products? The stories are legion of factories making legitimate products during the day and counterfeits of those very same products at night.
Cloning electronics is hard compared to consumer goods. Why is it that a Coach handbag can be purchased so cheaply in China? Maybe because Coach does their manufacturing in Asia? Maybe because if a handbag can be made in Asia for $50, there are plenty of people who would be happy to purchase it for $100 instead of the $1000 that Coach is selling it for?
But, especially with big manufacturers like Cisco (mentioned in the article), a lot of the problems are of their own doing. There is an ancient proverb: as you sow, so shall you reap.
So, what the fuck did those big companies think would happen to their designs once they shipped them off to China to manufacture? Or, even better, after they subcontracted the actual design of their products to offshore entities?
Surprise ... surprise ... surprise ... there are plenty of smart engineers and plenty of greedy capitalists to be found all over Asia. Why did you give them such a head start with your products? The stories are legion of factories making legitimate products during the day and counterfeits of those very same products at night.
Cloning electronics is hard compared to consumer goods. Why is it that a Coach handbag can be purchased so cheaply in China? Maybe because Coach does their manufacturing in Asia? Maybe because if a handbag can be made in Asia for $50, there are plenty of people who would be happy to purchase it for $100 instead of the $1000 that Coach is selling it for?