The Energon Pub

[Sledge]

Most consider a knockoff to be a fake replica, but we all use knockoff to mean that or cheap ass Transformer remake. But no one seems to use it when there are Replica MP Prime Trailers, WST Dinobots, etc. because they are somewhat original and good quality.

The replica MP Prime trailers came before Takara produced one, so there's no way they can be knockoffs, in the same way City Commander isn't. The WST Dinobots are, because they're clearly unlicensed reproductions of the Dinobots. The fact HasTak have (so far) not clamped down on them doesn't stop them being knockoffs.

[GetterDragun]

Most consider a knockoff to be a fake replica, but we all use knockoff to mean that or cheap ass Transformer remake. But no one seems to use it when there are Replica MP Prime Trailers, WST Dinobots, etc. because they are somewhat original and good quality.

The replica MP Prime trailers came before Takara produced one, so there's no way they can be knockoffs, in the same way City Commander isn't.

But the MP Trailer (non-Takara) was a bigger reproduction of the original smaller one, so how is that different from this?

I for one think all TF items should be licensed from HasTak, but to me unliscensed vs knockoffs are not the same. No one will ever sell this mini-Tracks as the real thing, but they will sell a KO G1 Dinobot as one.

[Sledge]

If it was actually a scaled-up reproduction of the original (I never looked into it that much, tbh), then yeah it would be a knockoff as well.

[Scaleface]

I don't know if there has even been a legal challange when someone makes a homage to a toy, with a completely new mold.

I think they own the molds, and the names, and the logos. The WST Dinobots have new molds (inspired by the original, but different), and new names ("Smallest Tranformers Dinorobot Commander" is on the box for Grimlock). If anything is there that they could be sued for, it's the use of the Autobot and Decepticon logo on many of these toys.