Treasure chest

[racerx]

That's why I posted the pictures of the two chests on top of each other; it's fairly obvious the DecoPac was molded from the Playmobil one.  The ribs on top aren't simply similar, they line up exactly.  Furthermore, the DecoPac is very slightly larger, likely the result of basing the mold off the PM.

Add to that the identical sliding lock (which actually amazes me as it wasn't a feature cut for cost) and I think it's a closed case.  As such, I'd think Playmobil could certainly go after DecoPac as a US-based company.  Likely they don't feel it's worth the time, effort, and expense for such a small item though.

[BlackPearl2006]

I've seen this cake at the local store some years back (and can still find this cake in stores now).  I too noticed it was a playmobil treasure chest from the get-go.

IMO, this is not simply a case of a similar-looking chest; it has the exact same shape, the only real difference being the wood grain detailing on the planks.  In my book, it would qualify as a knock off of the original mould.

However, I doubt even if made aware of it, that it would be worth it for Playmobil to expend the time, money, and energy on a lawsuit for such a trifle accessory.  Now, if it were a single Klicky, or perhaps several more parts, I can see a lawsuit being worthwhile.

[BlackPearl2006]

That's why I posted the pictures of the two chests on top of each other; it's fairly obvious the DecoPac was molded from the Playmobil one.  The ribs on top aren't simply similar, they line up exactly.  Furthermore, the DecoPac is very slightly larger, likely the result of basing the mold off the PM.

Add to that the identical sliding lock (which actually amazes me as it wasn't a feature cut for cost) and I think it's a closed case.  As such, I'd think Playmobil could certainly go after DecoPac as a US-based company.  Likely they don't feel it's worth the time, effort, and expense for such a small item though.

As far as other noticeable differences, from what I can tell, the deco chest's surrounding frame is moulded as part of the chest, whereas the playmobil chest frame is a seperate piece.  I too am amazed they bothered to make the sliding lock a seperate piece on the knockoff, considering they already cheaped-out on the frame.  Then again, chinese knock-off toys rarely make sense, lol.  (I collect chinese knock-off toys as well;  they come in odd colours that don't make sense, some of them are scaled up n size, and other times they are retooled with odd parts that don't match the rest of the toy.)