From Russia With Love

Well comrades copyright infringement is all good when you're the one doing the taking, but when the tables are turned you just get all red.

One of the world's biggest markets for counterfeit goods exists in Russia. For countless decades Russians have laughed in the face of international copyright law. The Russian people may have to wait in line for hours for bread, but they can get the new Jay-Z album on any corner. Russian copyright infringers have made millions selling copyrighted music, movies, and computer programs from around the world, and for the most part the Russian government has turned the other cheek.

But now the shoe is on the other foot and the Russians are mad. One of the nations most beloved national treasures is being illegally copied and mass produced in foreign facilities around the globe. The Russians are afraid that these knock-offs are hurting the reputation of one of its most successful products.

So what could this fine Russian product be you ask? Space Secrets? A designer vodka? Nope it's the 1947 model of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, commonly referred to as the AK-47. This Russian export has been a huge success for over sixty years. It is an incredibly versatile weapon that is sought after by fighting men throughout the world. Unfortunatley for the Russians it is also produced around the world now. Many countries, including China have been illegally producing counterfeit AK's for the black market for years. The Russians are cracking down and pulling out all diplomatic measures in an effort to protect the AK's good name and good profit potential.

Here's a link to the story. http://www.kansascity.com/news/world/story/1527814.html