You came into someone else's thread who was floating the idea of making carbon fiber parts and you, as a vendor, crashed her thread and basically berated her with talk down and condescending language. Not sure how much pity I can have for you when someone comes into your thread.

I understand your frustrations but your argument is weak and not even the exactly same circumstances that you are trying to express.

I see your point too which makes sense for these two items:
http://bespoke-public-product-images...76_300x225.jpg
http://bespoke-public-product-images...21_300x181.jpg

but what about these items?
http://bespoke-public-product-images...0e_300x199.jpg
http://bespoke-public-product-images...48_300x200.jpg
http://bespoke-public-product-images...ce_300x199.jpg

I'm simply trying to approach this as finding the distinction from a fine line. I am a graphic designer and have had people take my design and alter it just with different fonts or colors. It did make me mad but it happens and if they changed it enough, it becomes their own design. One thing I have learned as a designer, is that the best designs have been influenced by something they have seen someone else do. You just have to take it as a form of flattery I guess. Researching copyright laws, this website categorizes this as a moral rights.
Legally Using Images | copyrightlaws.com

Very confusing topic!

I think it applies to all those parts, but that's not what I'm trying to get at.

It's basically up to the original author to decide what they will allow. Nissan doesn't seem to have an objection, for or against those parts, so we don't really know if it's okay or not. We can't really comment on it without Nissan's views. I was under the impression that they allow it, but with the caveat that Nissan is no longer liable for parts modified or replaced with non OEM part. They, like all manufacturers take copyright cases seriously and will usually let the small stuff pass without legal action. More extreme cases see a far more pronounced action.

Since the prospect of a near identical replica of the Powerhouse Amuse kit is in question, we can use that as an example. They, Powerhouse Amuse, don't want people buying or selling an exact clone of their product in ANY shape or material. Period! It's something they have clearly explained as a direct infringement of their intellectual property. If they were to go to court against these replica manufacturers, the result would be without a doubt in Powerhouse Amuses' favor. Just because you think it's expensive, it doesn't give you the right to copy that product. Call it whatever you want...influence, flattery, whatever....it's still plagiarism. Just because you refuse to take action at someone copying your work, it doesn't make it right. The right to give or deny permission to replicate and sell is rightfully & soley with the owner of the original design.

Understandable but listen, IM NOT SELLING PARTS lol... This is simply something I bought for my car. Amuse doesnt make a carbon fiber body kit, just like Nissan doesnt sell Carbon Fiber pillars, mirrors, dash etc...All I did was buy a carbon fiber body kit because AMUSE doesnt offer them in full carbon.

The whole purpose of this entire thread, was to post pics :roflpuke2:

Some of you are forgetting who started to get off topic FIRST :). Sure wasnt me. I just wanted to share pics.

I know when I install the cf hatch, cf quarter panels and cf doors NOT to post a thread on the forums because I was get bashed for Replica CF parts. :stirthepot: okay Im still going to post :)

BTW why does he sell 2 different sets of mirror caps, dash pieces and etc? Somebody is replicating a replica if you ask me. But everything is a replica and yes its an amuse kit but the original source does not offer it in full cf so I purchased my stuff from a company that offered carbon fiber parts that I couldnt find anywhere else, just like seibon/VIS offer threw their entire product line... Honestly, if i wasnt so bored at work this week I wouldnt have been this involved :bowrofl::roflpuke2:

AND FINALLY, WOW.... I dont know if you saw here ORIGINAL POST before she edited it but she was a NEW member, not a vendor, posting prices for services and etc.... If we want to discuss ethics then is it fair that a new member just begin advertising business proposal? when others, such as my self, pay monthly dues and adhere to the forum rules? * DO NOT post links of your website or A company to advertise your product or service anywhere in the forums(i.e. avatar/sig/post/threads). You must be a vendors/sponsors/supporting dealers in order to do so. nope..

I really dont have any beef with you, I really think you were hitting on that chick hahahah which i didnt know was a chick until you pointed it out :eek:

That's forum rules, which I did not create or mandate but I follow. Just like 370ztune shouldnt post idiotic comments causing idiotic replies :stirthepot: My replies were over the top but I was simply showing how meaningless it was of his post just to bash. I dont go into threads and bash members or fellow vendors. We stay professional and at times, relate to the customers because we too are z enthusiast :eekdance:

The issue isnt with Nissan, per 370ztune its the principal. BUT YET, he offers product that were developed using the same design/material ingredients to replica kit and existing part and offer it now in carbon fiber. CF pillars, mirrors, which is the same method that was implicated in a carbon fiber amuse kit being made available.

so any more updates on the car yet :tup:

I really want those carbon door pieces, would match great when I get my carbon fiber seats!

What part of the door? lol the inserts right? lol

You said doors and im thinking DOOOORRS :yum:

And thanks to your link earlier, I will have a full carbon ifber car by November. Znationals the car will look basically as you see it. With the addition of these parts that we are finishing up this week :) THE MAIN PILLARS ARE SHOWN BELOW, but they are being done as well :)

http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/...370/photo4.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/...370/photo3.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/...370/photo1.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/...t370/photo.jpg

holey moley man.... so much static in this thread.... imma agree with birdman imma ostrich this one too... :roflpuke2::roflpuke2:

seriously though... i honestly dont think it was billet intention in any way of trying to promote buying cf replica amuse or other cf body parts

he just wanted to show his nice pics of his car.... :tup:

pics from this past weekend:

http://jpmcgphotography.smugmug.com/...IMG3672-XL.jpg

http://jpmcgphotography.smugmug.com/...IMG3675-XL.jpg

http://jpmcgphotography.smugmug.com/...IMG3678-XL.jpg

http://jpmcgphotography.smugmug.com/...IMG3682-XL.jpg

http://jpmcgphotography.smugmug.com/...IMG3683-XL.jpg

http://jpmcgphotography.smugmug.com/...IMG3686-XL.jpg

That first pic is the one I was referring to. But the whole car is

:yum::yum::yum::yum::yum::yum::yum::yum::yum::yum:

I love the red kevlar and carbon fiber two tone, you will LOVE IT in person.

Are you going to Znationals? We are going to be one of the sponsors in the event and have a booth and raffle off a special prize :)

You know I love you :ugh2: BUTTTT you reposted the pics you took that I already posted :owned:

:facepalm: ugh, i went back a page, didn't see them two pages back, my bad :icon14:

hmm idk. Atlanta is a bit of a drive from Houston. Also hard to do with a family that I cant take along with me in a 2 seater :shakes head:

Isnt that the REAL reason why you got a TWO seater :bowrofl:

Um NOOOO!!!!! :ugh2:

(checking if the wife is reading)

:roflpuke2: Actually the real reason is because Ive wanted one since the 350 came out. My dream car that Ive had to wait almost 10 years for!

To clarify... and reiterate... our first post to this thread, was not bashing your car. In fact, I actually dig the look of it from an aesthetic viewpoint. However, from a business / moral standpoint, to state that it is a carbon fiber Amuse kit is NOT TRUE. Further, to use the name Amuse and say that it isn't misleading because you don't use the word Powerhouse, is just proving my point. Why do you need to associate Amuse, Powerhouse Amuse, or any original manufacturer if you don't care? I have a problem with you stating that it's Amuse or letting others assume it is authentic Amuse without any scruples.

Giving credit to the original designers is never a bad thing, in our opinion. We just wanted to clarify for those out there that this isn't what it appears to be. I don't think there is much argument or misunderstanding there. We just wanted to clarify that this isn't an authentic cf Amuse Vestito (because there is no such thing).

As for bashing OUR company that we sell replacement parts (or carbon overlay parts to replace OEM parts), I feel that is different in the fact that we are not trying to pass it off as OEM. It is well-understood that these parts are not OEM. If OEM was in carbon fiber for those panels, we would sell THOSE parts. OEM cf parts would probably be more expensive, and, higher quality (technically a win-win for a company such as ours that imports so many parts from Japan on a monthly basis).

I hope we've been clear about our intentions. We decide to support Powerhouse Amuse, and other high quality JDM companies even if they are more expensive because they end up supporting the aftermarket community in the long-term. We know knock-offs will always exist, but saying that it's the same thing is a totally different story. Enjoy your car, and, enjoy your parts!

Moses, I just saw this thread. I think the interior looks pretty great. Can't wait to see it at Z Nats if you're there.

Whats the difference than someone making a CF amuse replica? It should be understood that its not a 'real' amuse since its CF and if they dont realize it they probably are not in the market for a bumper anyway so how much does it matter? Not at all..
Its like calling an adjustable wrench a crescent. The crescent was first for its design so thats what everyone calls it.

Damn the car looks great so far!

But to the replica discussion, imo there is a difference between replica wheels such as Varostoen vs Volks (forged) and Replica FRP bodykits vs Powerhouse Amuse FRP Bodykit.

That Rationale is so very wrong.

This thread is so interesting for so many reasons :)

I LOVE the look of the car! What a goal it will be to complete a full CF body for this car.


I do find 370z tune is correct in one aspect, the fact that the replica product is being associated with the Amuse aka Powerhouse Amuse brand. Billet keeps referring to his product as "CF Amuse replica". The word Amuse should not be included anywhere when this product is referenced. This is basically "370 tune's" argument. The fact that this product is not authentic and it being associated with the Powerhouse Amuse and/or Amuse brand.

By calling the replica product "CF Amuse replica" it gives it value because the name ties it to the actual authentic brand. Powerhouse Amuse is valuable and respected company to the aftermarket industry. Its products and designs are well received by the aftermarket community and its price target points, make it very exclusive to a few which adds to its value. This is why replica products use the copied brand's name, because it gives their product "perceived" value just by mere word association.

The only thing that supports "Carbon Fiber Element" argument is the fact that he is NOT selling the replica product but only using it for his own personal use. He is not profiting directly from this product in anyway shape or form.

However, you can raise the argument that this replica product is being used as advertisement to increase potential sales of other "Carbon Fiber Element" products. Billet's "advertisement" of the replica product by calling it "CF Amuse replica" stirs excitement and curiosity by potential customers which can lead to increased sales for his other products.

In the case of Varrstoen, the wheels are known within the industry as Volks replicas because enthusiasts by nature are very knowledge and passionate and they know the difference between Varrstoen wheels and Volk wheels. But to the casual consumer, you would not know they were “replicas” or perceived as being valuable because they are not associated by name with the copied brands.

Case point, Varrstoen does not refer to their products as "Volk Replicas" or "Ray Engineering" replica wheels or associate their products in any form with these brands. Varrstoen uses numbers to reference their different products they offer. Customers trying to reference a wheel made by Varrstoen must use a number system which in a way prohibits its association with the actual copied brand thus limiting is perceived value.

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and any information provided herein is merely my own opinion and not of others.

I see points on both sides. However I don't think anyone on either side intended to be as aggro as they came across. The anonymity of the internet can arouse the "key board warrior" in all of us when we feel attacked. I'm a huge fan of CFE, I've had a bunch of work done by them. They are hard working guys and honest business men, so is 370tune. This thread is about modding a kick *** car we all love.

Familiarity here is the reason for the initial statement. Amuse was mentioned bc people know what it looks like, its just a familiar point of reference. It's easier then saying "CF rear with a bar sort of thing across the rear under the license plate with some mesh and ducts on the lower left and right."

Perhaps a new thread to debate the issue if people want to keep it going? I just want to see more pics, it looks great!

Sean

Technically, I never called it anything in the original thread post :) I simply posted photos :)

also I never mentioned in the thread title. I only referenced it as CF amuse after somebody else mentioned it :)

This thread will only focus on MY CAR... no promotional sales or etc, as I have stated from the beginning I DO NOT SELL BODY KITS hahaha :) Given the fact I didnt even state ANY of the PRODUCTS on my vehicle..

SOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooo 370ztune thanks for stirring the pot. :) Also its unfortunate that a replica company is the only company that offers a full carbon fiber version/design of the kit on my car. You would assume the original developer would, Like those NISSAN PARTS that are replica'ed in aftermarket stages and sold to consumers from companies that replica'ed a design.

FYI 370z tune. I EVEN MENTIONED the real kit was developed by AMUSE :icon18:

So :gtfo2:

:wtf: are you arguing with yourself?

No lol I never said it was a rare design or one of a kind... or etc..I disclosed that several times prior to him posting/bashing..

But his POST wasnt necessary and since he attacked me for having a replica part on my car, I simply reminded him of the fact that he sells products that are developed using the same mindset. Which is take an EXIsTing design, throw some carbon fiber on it and call it ZELE Mirror Caps or Seibon Pillars, Or ZELE side pillars, That design was based on an existing design...so its a replica with CF

Thats all... He sounds like a hypocrite and nobody likes a hypocrite.


I gave credit for the original design made by Amuse in several post prior to his. WHICH he mentioned in his post acceptable.

Either way, everything that he has posted about was disclosed prior to his post and rather he came across as bashing/hypocritical behavior. I am what you consider, proactive not reactive. I never once falsified anything nor was his post necessary.

Regarding your statement I made the text bold for your convenience... You state your parts are HIGHER QUALITY but yet you acknowledge carbon fiber being a HIGHER QUALITY... SO wouldnt the replica kit that is technically on my car be made of BETTER and HIGHER quality that the overpriced original FG? Considering this is all carbon fiber, clear coated and wet-sanded but SOLD MUCH CHEAPER than the original AMUSE, it would appear that AMUSE isnt providing its customers with the highest quality of any products but yet charging them for a lower quality material than whats being replicated.

Thank you for your comment about enjoying my car and parts, I love my car :driving: and parts :tiphat:


Take care,

omgggggg i love your wheels and basically everything about your car haha.

going to get an amuse spoiler?!?!?! i'm actually really excited to see how you're going to do the quarter panels in carbon haha. SUBSCRIBED!

Thank you, you know how to make a guy blush hahaha :) Actually my NEW BEST FRIEND "VDC_OFF" posted a link to a company that ACTUALLY haves carbon fiber/ fiber glass quarter panels. I was going to wrap them in real carbon fiber but the quarter panels are tricky due to them being vertical and thus costing alot more in material/time.... BUT THATS THE PAST as of a week ago lol. Ive already contacted the company that was in the link and I have been emailing Chris back and forth for days :)

I consider the quarter panels and roof to be the most difficult parts of any car when going full carbon. Ive got Roof done and hopefully the quarter panels end up resolving my other issue. The doors and hatch I can buy through seibon.

BY NOVEMBER, it will be ALL CARBON FIBER :)

:icon18: :tup: In a way this is so good for your business. Have you heard about the guerrilla marketing tactics being used by Nike to advsertise their new Lebron's? Negative media coverage is better than no coverage and ALWAYS GOOD for business! :tiphat:

:icon18:

I would like to see CF calipers and CCM DISKS? xD

I would love some to be honest... Porsche :yum:

At least the CF calipers :D!?

really nice car man!!
could you tell me where can i get the bodykit you got on your car? i know there's lots of amuse kits doesn't fit well

AeroJacket... Hit him up. GREAT GUY. My kits fitment was excellent. Same with the fenders and hood and spoiler.

#billet370 from 1 #ZAtlanta owner to another, It's really coming along. I'm anxious to see the carbon quarters, doors, and hatch!! Keep the pictures and updates coming!! Wicked Build!

Thanks :tiphat: Ill be sure to keep everybody posted

Some pics at our Dyno Day Meet at z1 couple weeks ago :tup:

BTW: Pillars, Mirror caps and side window pillars will be installed this Thursday :) Carbon fiber of course :tup:

And not sure why car looks orange lol its red but it was a bright day. Thanks to cereal2k :)

http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/...0/IMG_7147.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/...0/IMG_7143.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/...0/IMG_7142.jpg
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