“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” ― Oscar Wilde

Background

Back in December 5, 2016, we launched HyperDrive, the first USB-C hub of its kind with 2 USB-C connectors, specifically designed for the 2016 MacBook Pro on crowdfunding website, Kickstarter. The product was widely reported in the media and we went on to raise over $3.1M on both Kickstarter and Indiegogo.

HyperDrive started shipping in January 2017

HyperDrive started shipping to customers in January 2017. On January 20, 2017, we posted pictures of the final product with packaging in one of our Kickstarter updates which can seen here and below.

j5create announces UltraDrive on October 2017

Almost 10 months later, j5create announced their own version of HyperDrive, aptly named "UltraDrive" on their facebook and twitter accounts. Prior to this, j5create has never used the "UltraDrive" name for any of their products while we have been using the "HyperDrive" since our company inception, more than 12 years ago.

The similarities went beyond just the product name.

j5create UltraDrive virtually copied everything from HyperDrive. From the twin USB-C input connectors to the same 7 output ports to even the blue LED light on our original design.

And j5create didn't stop there

Even our packaging was not spared from imitation. Judge for yourself.

On the front

• Similar sounding product name "UltraDrive" vs "HyperDrive"
• Same product brand name placement on top left corner
• Similar product window cutout on the front left of the box
• Similar product description below the product window cutout
• Same image of MacBook Pro on the front right of the box
• Same call outs to "4K HDMI" and "50Gbps" speed
• Similar orange color highlights

On the back

• Similar product image with 13" MacBook Pro on the back top of the box
• Similar product description below the product image

We are not sure if we should be mad or flattered that an established brand like j5create chose to imitate our products, but if they have the balls to do it, then they should not be afraid of us calling them out.

j5create should just change their name to #j5counterfeit, #j5imitate or #f3copy