[endthematrix]

I don’t know the intricacies of this, but on the surface, if you designed it, I don’t see a problem with patenting it. I may cry and haw about it but think of the designer who gets cut at the knees by someone stealing a design.

[ChiMark]

I had a front headlightlens replaced with a knock off.
It fogs up and the focus is screwed up but I saved $40.oo!

[longtermmemmory]

The problem seems to be that some parts are dubious in the nature of the patent. It is like patenting the antena of a car and then when accidented the state law requires the IDENTICAL antena.

I can understand their frustration as chinese companies ignore patents and make black market identical parts.

I see a new market for “grey cars” that are using identical fitting parts are are not for that original car.