From the beginning of the email, Kelechi informed her investors about patent issues, but if you read some of the concerns of the investors you will see other issues that she doesn’t mention in the email. Even with all the issues together, still it does not scream “scam”, at least not to me.
1. Ambiguity on if the molds were already made and tested, or if they needed to be made and tested
CWK updated their followers and backers that the molds were done and sample plates produced, however in a later update they reported that they needed to do further testing and modifications. They further confused things by asking investors for their address’s to mail out plates to investors which gave the impression that everything was good with development.
It would have been better to just communicate the issues with development rather than move forward on getting addresses because even if molds are made, there might be many reasons they would be considered ‘not ready’. For one, production and manufacturing for a new product is not always easy. Your vision might not be what you actually get and while I am not trying to make an excuse for the confusion, its good to look at all sides.
2. Potential patent issues early in the game
This is a huge one and the main thing Kelechi referred to as the thing that will halt her production because if she cant get a free and clear patent, she might as well close down everything, which from the looks of things is what she has decided to do, at least with this project.
If there is already a patent on a similar product this could be an issue. This information was however not fully disclosed by the CWK team to all of her investors early in the game according to her critics.
Again, not making an excuse but the patent game is a tricky one, you can’t even file a patent before getting your manufacturing and research in place and up to par because frankly patents are costly.
It makes sense to get your research and production planned first and then file the patent since you cant have one without the other. If CWK had researched early they might have noticed a similar patent pending product, which is public knowledge if you look in the right place.
In the letter Kelechi gave an over view of just how serious her patent issues are:
We filed a non-provisional patent in February of 2014, less than two months after the above date. The alleged owner of this patent has threatened to take legal action against CWK Girls, LLC. Since our last correspondence we have relentlessly attempted to make contact with the involved parties to gain the necessary information that would put our attorneys in contact so that they could compare the verbiage of both patents and legally sort out this matter.
Their final response shortly stated that their “lawyers would be contacting us soon.” Unfortunately, weeks have passed and we have received no further contact and all other communications from the CWK Girls team since then have been ignored. Despite this, we have worked diligently to resolve this matter. Due to the fact that it usually takes many months for a patent to be seen in the U.S. Patent database our attorney can neither verify nor dismiss the stated claim at this time.
Kourtney Boston says
Such a shame. :-/
Uhm No says
Lmbo
Tonya M. Jones says
Stuff happens. It’s business.
Lovail Burton says
It looks like a crimper roller thing that was popular in salons back in the day to put crimps and waves in the hair. Not saying the two are the same BUT it looks very similar. Older hairstylists will know what I’m talking about.
Poppie Pippins says
I’m an investor in this product. I would have preferred to wait a few more months to see if she could work out her patent/legal issues. If she’s able to move forward with her project, she might have trouble finding new investors the second time around. I don’t know much about patents, but shouldn’t you check to make sure there’s no patent infringment before you get investors and start production? Really bummed about this becuase I was really looking forward to using the plates. I do remember the crimping plates from the 80s.
Jokoya McLean says
How are u an investor?
Free Brown says
She is probably an investor the same way that I am. I gave them money to get started through Kickstarter. I am awaiting my refund but I so badly wanted to try the plates.
Dee Dee Priscilla Martin says
This idea is pretty interesting.
Toi Winner says
It is not easy to start a business or run a business. Remember to always do your homework and research.
Sheila Barker Harris says
Ppl want to b self employed but never want to do the necessary research. Then wonder why it failed.
Umm Juice Jugo says
Intisar Umm Saalih
Patricia Grundy Vann says
Mayada Kandaka Mannan.
Valeshia Reaun says
Sidney Williams
Lakeisha Glasper says
I wish people would help instead of being rude
Adrienne Bridges says
You cannot believe in everything you see .Don’t be no natural fool .
Jokoya McLean says
Wtf
Yolanda Hill says
Lol!! WTH is this crap! =-O
Samantha Stewart says
Someone didn’t do their research.
Charles Mack says
At least she is aspiring to be something so start over its OK. And good luck .
Dora King says
That’s because it’s not for African American hair. Smh!!!!!
Sara Hunt says
This is so sad 🙁
I wanted to see this happen…
Joy says
Where can i buy the striaght plates?