Not sure what Quirky's trying to do here, but if their default action is to impulsively picket competitors who legally release products, it's safe to say I'm not going to buy products exclusively offered by Quirky.

I assume the intention is to appear as if the underdog getting shafted, but it just looks like a highly-funded company is using its VC muscle to bitch and moan.

OXO's broom is arguably an improvement on Quirky's "invention," and for Quirky to consider it IP is silly. It's like Sony suing Samsung because they both offer 50" TV sets.

I read that as Quirky's CEO saying "I didn't think it through properly and this is a poor attempt at saving face, I sincerely hope OXO don't make me look silly again."

Honestly, it is never a good idea to do a negative campaign. Concentrate on telling people why you're product's great. Don't mention the competition because at best it comes across as lacking class and at worst you dig yourself a hole. And keep digging apparently...

Sadly the populous responds well to negative campaigns. Thats why its so heavily used in politics. Even Apple used them effectively with their "I am a Mac. I am a PC" ads.

Interesting that they ignored the whole "here's a suite of products that Quirky offers that are clearly copies" part of the OXO post.

"We do not plan on further engaging in a tit for tat open letter writing campaign."

That they initiated.

OXO’s post was much more convincing.

Sorry, but you guys got completely owned. You don't have to apologize, but this isn't exactly helping either.

Unnecessary bravado in your own title sounds disingenuous.

I'd also like to see Quirky give an example of a past patent which added ergonomics to household items, since this post claimed that their dustpan was just as original as oxo's products.

This whole thing smells like a publicity stunt cooked up by both companies together.

I thought it seemed more one sided, pr stunt by quirky.

Digging themselves a bigger hole.

Well, I guess it is kinda working. I had never heard of Quirky before, and now I browsed a bunch of their stuff.