Watching here from the sidelines while wondering whether to...

Watching here from the sidelines while wondering whether to commit. One concern is the IP security in practical terms as opposed to legal. So there's a brilliant innovation re clamping the pipes which has patent protection. What stops some hypothetical country with big $$$, cheap labour and little regard for international norms from duplicating it more cheaply and in larger quantities? Playing devil's advocate here, as due diligence entails. (As I've recently learned to my cost with lck, a few residual doubts are a few too many, though that story may yet turn around. With g1a - as close to zero doubts as could be, and reward starting). Any thoughts welcome.