Agreed, and since MOST manufacturers are small peanuts they cannot afford any kind of legal battle/issues without killing themselves.

Not sure about he pockets you speak of Russ, but as for Darton- Rex has always been under the radar, and has alot more patents and designs that people think/assume- he just quietly patented along throughout the years, and now is in a position to either bargain for royalties or put the hurting on some people if he really wanted to.

I won't get into brand X vs. brand Y- but in my mind, if it's patented, suck it up and pay your royalties- OR design something new.