I think this counterfeit gear is petzl's main concern though their have been several cases of other companies producing gear that is remarkably similar in design to petzl gear. The new black diamond cobra and fusion closely mimic the geometry of the petzl quark and nomic and many companies have copied elements of the spirit carabiner (black diamond positron, trango smooth). Only the keylock gate was covered by 5357657 and I think it expired recently as I recall a bunch of new keylocks being introduced though those may have been licensed.
I have no doubt, as a consumer, that something made by Black Diamond will protect me while I'm climbing - even if it closely resembles something developed originally by Petzl.
But I would very much like strong protections against fake Petzl gear being imported that may, in fact, kill me.
I think this counterfeit gear is petzl's main concern though their have been several cases of other companies producing gear that is remarkably similar in design to petzl gear. The new black diamond cobra and fusion closely mimic the geometry of the petzl quark and nomic and many companies have copied elements of the spirit carabiner (black diamond positron, trango smooth). Only the keylock gate was covered by 5357657 and I think it expired recently as I recall a bunch of new keylocks being introduced though those may have been licensed.