“This is another evidence of China-made “competition” (AKA cheap copies) being allowed/used instead as an unbridled weapon against US-manufacturing and also innovation.”
Among George Washington’s first acts as President was erection of trade tariffs / barriers to protect fledgling American industry from economic attack.
Economic attack of course erodes the higher goals of Innovation.
“Perhaps the worst part was the co-opting of the FranTone name and even logo by the thieves and cheap-copiers. Trademarks, which must be defended, expensively, never help smaller companies or endeavors.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StQ2G_a89Lg
“Free trade” is another inversively-misnamed method of undermining manufacturing base, thwarting innovation, and subjugating and controlling the productive “middle class”.
From comments: “50% to retailer. 30% to distributor. 30% taxes / gov. Already you’re upside-down before COGS and paying for production.”