MP Megatron 2.0 prototype leak?

[Smint]

If you're implying that this leak was deliberate, then I highly doubt it. Having worked with TakaraTOMY (via Hasbro), I can tell you that they are super strict and tight when it comes to not leaking anything, even if there's no practical reason to protect it and even if the release of information would actually do more good than harm - which it usually does. As Hasbro once explained to me, NDCs are used to prevent information from being picked up by their competitors who would then try to outmanoeuvre them by creating similar competitive products. But Hasbro knows that they really have no direct competition with it comes to Transformers (i.e. nobody else is making another line of transforming alien robot action figures). TakaraTOMY has more competition in Japan with the whole mecha genre, but again none of it is like Transformers. Bandai aren't exactly going to make a Megatron-like Gundam.

But nonetheless I have found through my dealings with both companies that they are SUPER strict when it comes to adhering to NDCs. I am certain that this leak would not have been done by either company - I doubt it was done by any employee of TakaraTOMY, but possibly someone else who they may be associated with (e.g. retail buyers etc.?). And I reckon that whoever leaked this information would have received veeerrry angry words from TakaraTOMY, because I've seen it happen with much, much less sensitive leaks.

I'm not saying that the leak is a bad thing. It's clearly kicked up fan frenzy and excitement, which can only be beneficial. But yeah, it's just how these companies work. That's why whenever I've done translation work for Hasbro I have to keep my mouth shut until Hasbro gives me permission to reveal. Often the news is leaked by appearing on store databases, in which case I email Hasbro, inform them and ask if I can officially reveal the information and they say yes.

But yeah, if anyone can prove that this was a deliberate leak from TakaraTOMY then I'll eat my hat.

I dunno. If they were that strict i dont think they'd allow photos to be taken by anyone besides TT employees. Or maybe someone's phone was hacked. Who knows.

But the timing is convenient you have to admit. 2 amazing 3p Megatrons and there's been not a hint of a Megatron 2.0 from TT until now.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I'm of the belief that TT don't give a flying hoot about what 3P companies do. They determine their own releases on their own schedule. Or they would've made some effort to shut these companies down.

[drifand]

I'm of the belief that TT don't give a flying hoot about what 3P companies do. They determine their own releases on their own schedule. Or they would've made some effort to shut these companies down.

Shutter glass seems to be a striking feeling TT does copy a Ko copy work. I am s bit surprised it came to this honestly.

[GoktimusPrime]

Or they would've made some effort to shut these companies down.

Two problems there.
1/ China is a Hasbro market, thus outside of TakaraTOMY's jurisdiction. They can inform Hasbro, but it would ultimately be up to Hasbro to take action. When I've communicated to TakaraTOMY for official stuff it was always through Hasbro. I would even write bilingual emails to TakaraTOMY - in Japanese so that TakaraTOMY can read it directly without any of my meaning being lost in translation, and also in English so that Hasbro can understand it since I was liaising through them.
2/ The Chinese government does nothing about intellectual property theft. That's why KOs and counterfeits thrive there. Even if Hasbro tried to take legal action, they'd come across China's Great Wall of Ineptitude.

Just because companies are unable to take legal action against criminals doesn't mean that they don't care about it. That's kinda like saying that financial institutions don't care about Nigerian scams because they haven't stopped them. It's more complex and harder than it looks.

[Tober]

The reason that there are those "No Photos Allowed" signs at events is because Takara sell the right to publish prototype pictures to various hobby magazines. These may have leaked from something similar.

Takara released Shockwave just as two 3P Shockwaves were being released. Inferno just as three 3P Infernos were in development, sprang Ramjet as a number of 3P Conehead projects were announced, and Shattered Glass Optimus Prime just as the 3P version of that is seen... I was expecting Trailbreaker to have been announced by now...

So maybe if I create a bunch of phony 3P Jazz prototypes...

[drifand]

The reason that there are those "No Photos Allowed" signs at events is because Takara sell the right to publish prototype pictures to various hobby magazines. These may have leaked from something similar.

Takara released Shockwave just as two 3P Shockwaves were being released. Inferno just as three 3P Infernos were in development, sprang Ramjet as a number of 3P Conehead projects were announced, and Shattered Glass Optimus Prime just as the 3P version of that is seen... I was expecting Trailbreaker to have been announced by now...

So maybe if I create a bunch of phony 3P Jazz prototypes...

Hear hear! I was expecting trailbreaker , but yup that's how I see it as well.

Anyway who thinks this Megatron is spot on? I felt it's one of the best looking ones so far.

[Smint]

Are we talking about KO's or 3P's? 3P's get around copyright laws by not using the Transformers logo or names. Through the eyes of the law they're not doing anything illegal. I dont understand how KO's like MPP10 are allowed to exist and are even sold under a brand name but 3P's cannot use the Transformers name implying there's at least some effective copyright laws. Why doesnt TT copyright the likeness and engineering?

[Tober]

Are we talking about KO's or 3P's?

We're not supposed to be talking about either of them really, but until we see some better prototype pics...

3P's get around copyright laws by not using the Transformers logo or names. Through the eyes of the law they're not doing anything illegal. I dont understand how KO's like MPP10 are allowed to exist and are even sold under a brand name but 3P's cannot use the Transformers name implying there's at least some effective copyright laws. Why doesnt TT copyright the likeness and engineering?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0bNf-jcVU0

------------------------

So... Version 2.0 Megatron and he still has skinny thighs.


.

[GoktimusPrime]

Unlicensed 3P products are knock offs. What a lot of people refer to as as "KOs" are actually counterfeits.

Here's the basic difference:
* A knock off is a product that looks similar to a legit product but isn't actually an imitation.
* A counterfeit is an imitation intended to be passed off as the genuine article.

At any rate, check out this article: Fighting Counterfeiting in Asia

[Smint]

Megatron 2.0 does look amazing though. I'm just not sure about the waist. I'll reserve judgement after i see him next to MP10. MP10 is a beefcake and from these pics Megatron looks like he wont properly match MP10 in size and stature.