One thing that comes to mind when I read this thread is another older thread
here. It shows where UKHammocks literally copied a peak bag photo from the 2QZQ website (taken in their yard) and used it on the UKH website to advertise their own competing version of the same bag. They had the issue pointed out to them, and of course had to take it down and apologize. But it does indicate that there's some prior evidence of intent to copy, from the same company even.
No doubt that zippers on hammocks aren't a protected idea, nor is there a lock on installing zippers as a service. Especially if there are real differences in the installation details or materials used. I'm sure there's a market for it in the UK, if only to avoid trans-oceanic shipping. But not giving credit to the source of the idea is another matter entirely.
I think it would have been a more honest approach for them to simply say something like '
UKHammocks recently discovered a zipper-modification service being offered in the U.S. by 2QZQ. We're proud to now be able to offer this service to UK customers'. Who knows, if they had asked in advance, 2QZQ might have even worked with them to refer UK or EU inquires directly to them...and vice versa.
But not asking, and not even giving a tip o' the hat worth of credit...well, I agree with Hawk-eye. It seems disrespectful.
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