Shoe Device Knockoffs Create Foot Fight

Monday, 10 January 2011 | by Pat's Picks

It’s not just designer shoes that are targeted by counterfeiters. The Wall Street Journal says since its patent expired years ago, the Brannock device, “that ubiquitous metal gadget found in shoe stores,” has been fending off cheap knockoffs made overseas. Charles Brannock, the inventor, created one of the “most enduring industrial designs ever” says the Journal. But nowadays only the name of his company has copyright protection, which means that imitators can basically replicate his design and sell it for a fraction of the price.

Brannock Device Official Website