137 Knockoff

[USA]

While Lego was gaining immense popularity, Tora US released "Maria's World." 

However, much to the disappointment of Tora US game developers, the sales didn't perform well. 

The Tora US president and executives felt quite disheartened, but their hands were tied. 

Meanwhile, Lego's global success was becoming increasingly apparent with each passing day. Many major corporations with toy subsidiaries sought to emulate such a product while avoiding copyright issues.

[Suzuki Financial]

Shiko and Seki were seated together in the office when Seki remarked, "I'm not sure what's come over our fourth brother lately...," pausing solemnly before adding enviously, "He's been exceptionally fortunate."

Shiko nodded and stated, "We have connections, and we could undermine his good fortune whenever we choose."

Seki was taken aback, his brow furrowing as he responded, "You intend to disrupt his business?"

Shiko simply smiled; in fact, he was contemplating enlisting the help of underground criminal organizations to set fire to KiShin's factories in Japan.

Seki expressed concern, saying, "But if this were to be discovered, it would be a grave matter!"

Shiko continued to smile, asserting, "Come on. Do you realize who we are?" He paused before adding, "We're part of the Suzuki Group! Do you think we'll be exposed?" and chuckled as he said so.

Seki then hesitantly inquired, "What if father were to find out about this?"

Shiko wore a reassuring smile as he locked eyes with Seki, saying, "You won't tell him, will you?"

Seki shivered slightly as he met Shiko's gaze and nodded vigorously.

Shiko chuckled lightly and patted Seki on the shoulder.

Meanwhile, in the United States of America, Shuichi couldn't overlook the fact that his cousin's company and their products were achieving global success. He observed his colleagues using KiShin's products, including KES and KiShin's video games, with Lego being the most successful of them all.

Shuichi couldn't suppress his intense feelings of jealousy. He recalled the day when Shinro had garnered favor from the guests at their grandfather's birthday celebration.

---

Meanwhile, at KiShin's Asian headquarters located in Taiwan.

Lee Han has held the position of president here for quite a while. While he was working in his role as president, his Taiwanese secretary suddenly entered his office, holding something and exclaimed, "Mr. Han, take a look at this!"

Lee Han furrowed his brow and examined what his secretary was holding. It was a white console, somewhat reminiscent of the FamiCom.

Lee Han frowned and inquired in rough Hokkien Chinese, "What is this?"

Duan Fan, a male Taiwanese who served as Lee Han's secretary, responded seriously, "Mr. Han, this object I have in my hand is a FamiCom knockoff from China."

Lee Han stroked his chin and mused, "Really..." He wasn't too surprised; after all, even in Japan, prominent Japanese companies like Suzuki and Tora tried to emulate the FamiCom while avoiding copyright infringement, as their video game consoles were only similar but not exact copies.

Lee Han took the Chinese FamiCom knockoff and studied it thoughtfully. He noticed the name in red letters, with a font and design remarkably similar to KiShin's logo. The letters were also in English, and it was named "Subor."

Lee Han furrowed his brow and inquired, "Subor?"

Duan Fan nodded and explained, "Yes, Mr. Han. This knockoff originated in China, and it was initially launched there."

Lee Han was deeply concerned. KiShin had struggled to enter the Chinese market, and now someone was blatantly imitating their products.

Duan Fan noticed Lee Han's concern and added, "Although KiShin's FamiCom and video games hadn't officially entered China, some Chinese people in Southeast Asia had encountered KiShin's products. When they returned to China, news of a Japanese company making waves globally began to circulate. While not all Chinese had experienced FamiCom, those who had would share their experiences, and some even brought FamiCom consoles back with them. Consequently, many people in China, especially on the mainland, had some knowledge about it."

Lee Han nodded and inquired, "So, a Chinese company attempted to produce a FamiCom knockoff?"

Duan Fan affirmed with a nod, saying, "Yes, and it gained significant popularity in China due to its affordability."

Lee Han nodded and probed further, "Which company is behind this?"

Duan Fan nodded as well, sharing, "It's the Xiaobaowang company, located in Zhongshan, China."

While Lee Han absorbed this information, his secretary, Duan Fan, added another piece of concerning news, "Furthermore, this Subor Video Game System also imitated Suzuki. This console includes a keyboard for educational purposes."

Lee Han nodded and then asked with seriousness, "Can this system run KiShin video games?"

Duan Fan hesitated briefly upon hearing the question and then sighed, "Yes."

Lee Han's expression turned grave, realizing the potential impact of this imitation.

Duan Fan reassured, "But please, don't worry. This knockoff can only run a limited number of KiShin's video games, and it struggles to run most of our KiShin video games properly."

Lee Han breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

He then dismissed his secretary and decided to inform Shin about the situation.

---

[Toshima Ward, Tokyo, Japan]

[KiShin Headquarters]

Shin had just been contacted by Lee Han, who informed him that a Chinese company had copied their KiShin video game console. However, he wasn't particularly surprised; in fact, he had been anticipating this for quite some time

His company's products were simply too successful for other companies to ignore. In fact, Shin had also anticipated a Lego knockoff, given its recent and resounding success in the market.

However, this was an inevitability. After all, even in his previous life, the 'LEGO' company had drawn inspiration from other brick companies, and when 'LEGO' bricks gained immense popularity, various companies had attempted to enter the brick business with similar products. These companies managed to avoid infringement and still sell bricks reminiscent of Lego.

Furthermore, the Subor Video Game System hailed from China. Even if Shin were to file a case due to the pirated KiShin video games, it would be in vain because China lacked specific laws and regulations concerning video game piracy, unlike most parts of the world with established anti-piracy legislation.

Additionally, KiShin had no established presence in China, making it impossible to enforce their intellectual property rights there.

These were all factors contributing to why Shin chose not to take action against these imitating companies.

After all, the 16-bit KiShin was soon set to enter the market.