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Big news for Hasbro's fight against knock off (KO) toys. There has been an investigation by the Shanghai police which started back in April when Hasbro China reported on Weijiang's activities. For those unaware, Weijiang is a Chinese company that makes knock off Transformers toys. This investigation has lead to a raid of Weijiang's factories and five arrests. The charges are for allegedly designing, producing and selling counterfeit Transformers toys. We also learnt of the process. A designer would take the the official toys apart and map out the designs he would then sell to Weijiang.
You can read more about this in the following article from Shine.cn: https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2007232766/ .
Fans of "third party not-Transformers", bootlegs, and over sized knockoff products tend to defend them by saying such things as, "if Hasbro cared they would do something about them" or "they're legal in China, things are more relaxed there". But that's never been entirely true. We've seen Hasbro do things like ban their sale (and attempted to do so with fan art) at BotCon and once requested the removal of their coverage from news sites while China has protected three dimensional trademarks (like toys) since 2001. They even introduced the administrative raid system for speedy resolutions and special "well-known" trademark protections based on consumer knowledge.
And that brings us to the current topic. Hasbro has announced on their corporate site that they've successfully defended their Transformers trademark in a criminal counterfeit case in a Chinese court based on an administrative raid from 2017. Hasbro claims this is only the latest in a string of cases with more to come. In this case three defendants were found guilty including two unnamed people that have been jailed and fined and an unidentified corporation that has been fined as well.
Hasbro's full press release can be found below (it isn't very long or detailed). We realize this is a hotly debated topic so we ask for some civility when discussing this in the Energon Pub.
Hasbro Trademark Rights Upheld in Criminal Case Involving Counterfeit TRANSFORMERS Products in China
December 20, 2018
PAWTUCKET, R.I.—December 20, 2018-- The Chinese court in Dongguan city of Guangdong Province has issued a judgment favorable to Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) in a criminal case involving counterfeit TRANSFORMERS products.
Hasbro initiated an administrative raid action in 2017, which was transferred to the Public Security Bureau (PSB) due to the volume of counterfeit product and seriousness of the case. After a thorough investigation, three separate defendants, including two individuals and one corporate defendant, were found guilty of counterfeiting Hasbro’s trademarks and fined by the court, and the two individuals were sentenced to jail time. Thousands of counterfeit TRANSFORMERS products were confiscated and destroyed.
With strong support from various Chinese authorities, Hasbro has initiated many actions to enforce its intellectual property rights in China, and this is the latest of several criminal judgments involving counterfeit Hasbro products issued by Chinese courts in recent years.
“We take the protection of our intellectual property very seriously, and we will continue to investigate and pursue those who infringe on our rights,” said Tarrant Sibley, Hasbro’s Chief Legal Officer. “We are pleased with the ruling in this case, and will continue to vigorously enforce our intellectual property rights to combat the manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit products.”
About Hasbro
Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. Through its entertainment labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, the Company is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for children and their families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked No. 5 on the 2018 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine, and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past seven years. Learn more at http://www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro) and Instagram (@Hasbro).
A lot of people recently have been getting burned with knockoff versions of the newest Movie Masterpiece Transformer on the market, MPM-5 Barricade. Buying highly-desired figures like this, especially on sites like eBay with individual sellers, can lead to a definite risk of ending up with a counterfeit version no matter how careful you may be.
To help you identify if your own copy of Barricade is a pretender to the Movie Masterpiece throne, Seibertronian zhaobinis1 has you covered with a couple identification tips - plus a guide on how best to refund your purchase through eBay if you did receive a fake! They recommend not shipping the figure back as it's technically illegal to ship counterfeit items like this.
Here is how you can do to get a refund without shipping back the KO figure:
1) When receive your figure, click return.
2) Fill in reason as "KO" or "not authentic".
3) Take pictures of your KO figure. There are 2 places you can easily see that are proves of KO. 3.1) The "POLICE" print was misprinted on the trunk while it should be on the spoiler. This could have been fixed but you will still see marks on trunk. 3.2) In the crotch there are 2 C shaped parts that you won't see the opening, while on official figures you will. Basically KO put these parts on the wrong direction.
4) Do not ship it back, as it is illegal to ship inauthentic items. Wait a few days and ask Ebay to step in (there is a button for it).
5) An Ebay employee will be assigned to your case and usually they will ask you to DESTROY the figure and sign something to prove you did it. Then they will refund you at sellers cost.
As a visual aid to zhaobinis1's descriptions, we also have an image from D-Maximal Primal showing the misprinted "POLICE" decal (and its clumsy reapplication to the spoiler):
Best of luck to all you buyers out there - hopefully this guide can help keep you alert for counterfeits in your police-bot-acquiring efforts! And of course, our condolences to those who did receive a knockoff. If you have any thoughts or tips of your own to share, let us know in the Energon Pub forums. And as always, stay tuned to Seibertron.com for any more Transformers news and useful information!
With Toy Fair 2016 quite behind us, and Seibertron back to a stable connection, we have a couple of wrap-up posts about the event, to close off in style - starting with some knock-off products and items on display at the Javits Convention Center, where Toy Fair is actually located (Hasbro is in a separate building at the Times Center nears Times Square). Check out a sample of the gallery featuring Remote Control transforming "Combiner Wars" Megatron Tank and an Age of Extinction Drift Helicopter, Legends Class toys and oversized Rescue Bots Roar and Rescue Dinobots (Heatwave, Chase, Blades, and Boulder) click through to access the full works, and take a look at the embedded YouTube video too!
Fellow Seibertron.com user shajaki has spent quite some time figuring out all the differences between the Takara Tomy MP-10A Bathing Ape Convoy and its unfortunate knock-off counterpart. As some collectors may still be on the hunt for this redeco, we're sharing with you all the guide put together to figure out whether you're looking at the real deal or not - check it out below!
Alright folks! I have been driving myself nuts over this figure. At first because of the cost. Then because of the picture perfect KO. I've been researching a bunch over the past few days, and feel I have enough findings to finally make this thread. so here we go!
First:The box
Down there are some pics of the legit box. Now, I work in a chemical plant. And any given thing we have (received or blended by us) has a "lot" or "batch" number mainly to keep track of when and where things are made. Well apparently toys are no different. If you check on the bottom of the MP boxes (or elsewhere on any other TF) you'll find the lot number. I surmised that while they (the KO'ers) have counterfeited the box, they didn't go so far as to stamp the box with that number like Takara did. Turns out I was right.
You'll see that the bottom right of the box (of the legit Takara version) has a stamp with "G1214". And if what I know about lot number is true, the 14 at the end probably means "made in 2014", but I digress. I think most figures of the same type and mold will have the same lot number, especially on such a limited run like this. So all legit MP BAPEs should have that number.
Below this, is the bottom of the KO box (I'm not bothering with other angles cause they're the same as the legit). You'll notice a couple differences, mainly that there's no bar code, and no lot number stamp. And BOOM. You just confirmed a sealed BAPE to be a KO.
SECOND:The Figure
The legit BAPE uses the MP10B (Black Convoy) variation of the mold, which has the (molded) Autobot insignia removed, so both shoulders are smooth and clean. The left shoulder is where said insignia should be, but the BAPE logo is there instead, and the right one has nothing.
The KO was molded from one of the original MP10s, and thus has the molded Autobot insignia on the left shoulder. so in turn the bape KO has something on each shoulder. the bape logo is on the opposite shoulder it should be, because of the molded insignia is obviously still there.
In closing, I hope this helps cause I wasn't able to find this info anywhere else. Being able to tell if something is a KO or not is pretty easy in hand, but in the age of internet buying you really have to be careful. And while most people selling these KOs clearly state what they are, it doesn't mean there won't be someone trying to pass one off as the real deal.
As many of you know a knock off G1 Scorponok has hit the market, and site sponsor Robotkingdom has provided a quick write up and some comparison images. If you're in the market for a authentic G1 Scorponok you might want to take the time to look over the information below.
Dear customers,
Here are some comparison Photos of the KO Scorpronok.
Without checking the product in personal, it may be difficult to distinguish the difference between original G1 and KO.
Below listed some points that might help to recognize their difference.
1. KO Overall material is a little bit gross while original features plain plastic. KO version material is more like a normal plastic toy material...
2. KO features screw on both sides of the head while original feature pin.
3. KO have Scorpion legs use screws while the original one use pin.
4. Sculpture on Original item is clearer.
5. The eye sculpture of Headrobot is difference.
6. Sculpture on the cannon is different.
7. The sculpture on KO Chromed parts are damaged.
8. Visible bubble on the KO version chest and hip paint job.
Hope these informations are helpful and don’t mistakenly buy KO version as authentic one. Enjoy!
Discovered recently on Actoys.net, the counterfeiters are at it again. Knock Off Masterpiece 12 Lambor's are aparently ready for distribution. These unliscensed reproductions will likely suffer in both quality and precision. If you are still in the market for MP 12 Lambor/Sideswipe, you may consider sticking to reputable dealers such as our site sponsors or other well established online retailers. The accuracy of this particular KO seems quite high and with a convincing package, it will be tough to distinguish the difference. We will post any noticeable differences as soon as they can be identified to help ensure you are getting the real McCoy.
Additionally, Masterpiece 10 Optimus Prime and MP 13 Soundwave's may also be under development. If you see a price that is too good to be true...
TFSource - now accepting Paypal payments for stacked orders! You asked for it, and now you can pay with a credit card or Paypal for your stacked orders! To learn more about order stacking read here: Stack your orders, save on shipping, pay with Paypal!
_____________________________________________ 1. Fansproject Update! CA-10 T-Bone Back Instock!
Back instock - CA-09 Car Crash and CA-10 T-Bone!
Final restock from Fansproject on these popular pieces! Order yours at TFsource here:
Now up for preorder: Fansproject CA-11 & CA-12! Most likely Last Chance and Down Force will ship a month apart. If you don't want to wait make sure to preorder them on separate orders or use order stacking to manage your orders and save on shipping! Preorder yours at TFSource here:
Now instock - Crossfire Colossus Set! We're processing and shipping out orders now. Includes the free mini quake gun that just arrived! order yours here:
New Fansproject Function-X: Smart Robin and Quadruple-U preorders up! Set for an April, May and February release dates, each is $68.95, fully articulated, and features unexpected transformations! Preorder yours at TFsource here:
_____________________________________________ 2. Now instock - Encore #23 Fortress Maximus - regular release!
The Long Wait is Over! The BIG Guy Fortress Maximus Now Instock! Standing around 2 feet tall and wielding his master sword, Fortress Maximus and the 25 year wait is now over! Order yours today at TFsource!
_____________________________________________ 5. 3rd Party Customs Update!
Now up for preorder: KFC Justice Ironpaw & Nightstalker! Each just $25.95 or with TFsource combo pricing get both for $47.95! Scheduled for a June release. Preorder your at TFsource here:
Dr. Wu Instock! Seeker Vanguard Sets & Dr. Evil! We will also be getting a restock of almost all DR. Wu out of stock items, so be sure to sign up for the personal assistant on any Dr. Wu items you are looking for! Restock coming mid-June! Order yours at TFSource here:
_____________________________________________ 6. APS-02 Leader Class Brawl - preorder up!
Preorder up! APS-02 Brawl! This Asia Premium Series figure is a repaint of the popular leader class brawl! This figure will be released in Asia in the next day or so, preorder yours today! Preorder yours at TFsource here:
_____________________________________________ 7. Now up for preorder: Kabaya Gaia Scramble - Motormaster, Onslaught & Silverbolt!
Just $17.95 for a set of 3, or $39.95 for a random blind box set of 8! Due out in August, preorder your combiner main parts today! Preorder yours at TFSource here:
_____________________________________________ 8. Now up for preorder - Make Toys Paladin/Chaos!
Don't forget to preorder the chaos figure, preorder stock is already quite low, preorder yours at TFsource here: http://tfsource.com/maketoys-customs/
If we receive any additional stock after the first shipment, it will be via air freight which is much more costly, and the amount of available stock on this guy will be quite low, so we recommend preordering now!
Now up for preorder - MP-17 Prowl and MP-18 Bluestreak! Preorder here:
Takara Tomy announced that MP-19 smokescreen will be significantly different in design from prowl & bluestreak. Our guess is this will push the release date back further, but no official announcement on this yet.
_____________________________________________ 10. The TFsource Spring Cleaning Sale Continues!
TFSource Spring Cleaning Sale Featured Items: Impossible Toys! We have many of the popular quint figures, the Spike & Sparkplug, Night-bird and many more! Almost 200 items in total, including the TF Prime RID Clearance - all at the TFSource Spring Cleaning Sale! Order at TFSource here:
TFSource TF Prime RID - Clearance Sale! We managed to pick up some of the TF Prime RID for a great price and are passing along the savings! Knock Out - $9.95, Deadend - $8.95, Hot Shot - $8.95. All prices are while supplies last, once gone we won't receive anymore, so don't miss out - This is the final TF Prime RID stock! Order yours here:
MMC has stated that the Hexatron will be released in late June/July due to improving the QC on this piece, so for now watch Ben & TJ's reviews and summer will be here soon! Preorders up here at TFsource:
TFC Toys - Falcon & Harrier Delayed! Unfortunate news that TFC's final 2 Uranos figures are now delayed to May/June. We're still excited to see the final full color version of Uranos, but disappointed that we'll have to wait! Preorder yours at TFsource here:
Now Instock - TFC Toys Blackbird! TFC says there will be no more stock released, and it's doubtful there will be another run, making Uranos much less common than Hercules! The same is true of F-15 Eagle, F-4 Phantom and the two remaining jets! Order yours at TFsource here:
_____________________________________________ 14. Source Blog Updates!
NEW SOURCE ARTICLE! Collecting old Transformers is a tough yet rewarding hobby, but dodgy sellers make it difficult! (Not a) Vintage Year | Source Blog
MMC has stated that the Hexatron will be released in late June/July due to improving the QC on this piece, so for now watch Ben & TJ's reviews and summer will be here soon!
TFsource's latest in the Countdown to BotCon! Our Countdown to Botcon Series Continues: BOTCON 1998 – HEADIN’ OUT WEST - Hard to believe but there was a time when Botcon was only on the East Coast, but this year was the first voyage out West to California! Beast Wars was in full steam and lots more, read the Source blog article and relive one of the early Botcon years! BotCon 1998 – Headin’ Out West | Source Blog
_____________________________________________ 15. Newest Instock items at TFsource
Have you signed up for Source Points yet? Earn points with every purchase towards Freebies! Accumulated points and want to redeem them? Click the following link to enroll or redeem your points today! Source Points - TF Source
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Become a fan of TFsource on Facebook! We've spent years building TFsource into an online resource for TF fans, and now we have created a page on facebook for our fans. We'll keep you updated on new releases and TF info, as well as any contests or promo's we run, some of which will be exclusively through facebook.
Also we want to hear from you, what do you like about TFsource and what can we improve. So log into facebook and become a fan of TFsource today!
It's not unreasonable to hold hope that with the recent release of Encore Fortress Maximus, that his rival Scorponok will also see a release.
However it seems that other, less scrupulous parties seem to be getting one to market sooner if Toymoda is to be believed. In addition to a healthy stock of Transformers-related items, Toymoda also has several knockoff replications of other G1 figures, such as Cyclonus, Shockwave and a Computron giftset. Scorponok has recently been added to its system with a release date of July.
Seibertron.com will pass on more information as more information becomes available.
This auction on eBay has been selling knock off Human Alliance Barricade figures, and it seems there are multiple sellers doing it.
They all claim to be knock offs, and none try to hide it. The quality is in question since no one seems to have one in hand, but based on appearances alone, this is an exact 1:1 duplication of the real figure.
Be careful when buying, don't get ripped off by a "good" deal. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. With Human Alliance prices going for tidy sums on eBay, a price below $50.00 for such a figure should be an instant red flag.
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* Price and quantities subject to change. Shipping costs, taxes and other fees not included in cost shown. Refer to listing for current price and availability.
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