I THINK this is kosher, as long as we contain it to the PEQ-15, which is presumably off-patent, and therefore fair game for improved versions.

But for sure the NGAL is NOT, so let's go over to the airsoft/mil-sim forum for any Chinese airsoft replicas of those.

I would argue there is enough difference between a civilian legal ATPIAL and a SG PEQ-15 to pass the non-infringement test, if there was still some concern in this regard.  First of all the ATPIAL has been nerfed.  It only has low power IR and illum.  The SG has both low and high power.  So the selector knobs (and housing) are different.  Then the ATPIAL illum is fixed.  The SG illum is adjustable.  The ATPIAL has a diffuser cover.  The SG has only a cover.  The ATPIAL has flush-mounted screw adjustment for both IR and illum.  The SG has flush mounted IR adjustment, and raised drum illum adjustment.  The ATPIAL has a different data plate surface etched into the housing.  The ATPIAL comes in red viz laser only.  The SG comes in red or green.  The ATPIAL is not potted (at least the std models).  The SG is potted (for an extra charge).  The safety screw storage area is on top of the housing on the SG.  It is on the side of the ATPIAL.  And, obviously(?) the internals are different.  The "mother board", if they say that anymore, has to be totally different.  The laser modules must be different.  The spring adjusters for zero are different.  

What is the same.  Well, the housings are very close, with the difference in the well for the selector knob being different to house more choices on the SG.  The illum lens is very similar although the SG one is larger. The viz/IR laser cover is very similar, except the SG one is opaque for both.  The mount is very similar.  Although the SG one is slightly lighter.

There are virtually no interchangeable parts, although the ATPIAL/PEQ-15 illum diffuser cover is highly desirable (even if it is slightly smaller).  And perhaps the viz/IR laser one as well, to get the pass-through on one, if required.

The biggest similarity would be the "form factor" if you will.  It lays down low on the rail, and looks like an original PEQ-15.  But it's not.  There are many subtle differences.  Perhaps if they changed the name to SG-15, it would be even better.  And put a Somo Gear logo on it, for everyone to see.

I am not a patent lawyer.  My thoughts are merely my opinions.  Therefore, if anyone has more accurate information, please share.  

This is plainly marketed as an airsoft toy.  Says so on their website and on their packaging.  So according the mfg, these are not for real steel.  With that being said what you do with it, is your own business.

Well, sadly I was just thinking about this the other day.  Not only Hong Kong, but Taiwan is the Nationalist Chinese Country.  But due to Kissinger's "Real Politik" these distinctions have all but disappeared.

But for sure, in my mind, if something is made in Hong Kong, or even Taiwan, I view it in a different light than Red China.  

But for the purposes of identifying something made by Chinese, that is for airsoft use, the [CHINA] moniker is in use.  

Although your split hairs are duly noted.  If not concurred with.

I guess to clear the air here, let's discus a few things.  For those who may not be aware, and therefore "buy by mistake", as it were, here are some things to consider.

There are some threads here with a [CHINA] in front of them.  This is let you know, in no uncertain terms, that Chinese Airsoft kit is being discussed.  But what does that really mean?  

In the past few years, SOME Chinese airsoft companies have attempted to up their game, and make "replicas" of certain Laser Aiming Modules.  This has created some concerns, among domestic vendors, that these companies are no longer "staying in their lane"; providing cheap copies for kids to play airsoft with, but attempting to make highly functional units, for sophisticated airsoft/mil-sim players.  This in turn has caught the attention of those who are in both mil-sim and "real steel" communities.

Now to some, they will never use Chinese, much less Chinese airsoft equipment.  They view using these things as un-patriotic, and urge you to buy American.

And others have vested interests in domestic products.  They say these products are blatant rip-offs and IP infringement.

And then there's a few folks, who, for various reasons, are looking at these products, and seeing if they might be of use to them.

So, what's the deal.  Well first let's take a look at IP infringement.  Yes, some of these products are direct IP infringement.  And we all have our opinions on this, but those products which can be demonstratively proven to be IP infringement are not to be discussed in this forum.  Whether we agree with that, or not, them's the rules.  

Then let's look at this "Buy American" sentiment.  There was a time I was in complete agreement with this.  Today this is no longer so.  

What about domestic vendors.  Many would be glad to guy from them, if they were allowed to sell us what we really want.  

So finally, are some of these products actually usable, or are they still just airsoft toys.

Let's take a look at the Somo Gear "SG-15".  I will list the pros and cons and leave it up to the reader to decide.  

Pros:
-Price point.  259 bucks vs 1600+ (as compared with the ATPIAL).
-Functionality. Has both low and high laser and illum settings.
-Has adjustable IR illum.
-Will zero and stay zero'd (practically as much as any other laser does).
-Can be Potted for extra durability.
-Can be had in both red and green viz laser.
-Can be used with 5.56 in "normal" use.
-Comes with an excellent warranty.

Cons:
-Is made for airsoft.
-Is Chinese.
-May not be as durable as mil-spec.
-Has had trouble with inconsistent QC.
-Mount is not as strong.
-Long term durability is not yet known.
-May not stand up to heavy 5.56 fire.

I hope this is a fair and balanced assessment of the SG-15.  It is airsoft gear and may not hold up in use, depending on what you're up to.  With that in mind, some have chosen to take a chance and see if it might work for them.  Whether or not this is for you, is for you to decide.

I've got 4 of those paperweights and they all work pretty good so far.  But to each his own.

You I had one early one (like almost two years ago now) that had that issue, but just adjusting out the spring took care of it.  The others have been just fine.

I think it's sorta funny; we go 'round and 'round on these here discussions; guys say that they do work, and we know the QC can be hit or miss, but quality overall has continued to improve.  Some folks are willing to take this for what it is, some are not.  And that's OK.  But to continue to post in these threads just to bash them, seems kind of pointless.  

If you want to try one, go for it.

If not, then don't.  

Oh wow, you must have gotten all the duds.  Yeah it can be a crap shoot.  Guys have had various experiences for sure.

OK, this here thread has been transferred back to here, again.

Ground rules.  Please discuss as airsoft products only.  What you do with it, is your business.  

If it is occasionally thrown in that you use it on RS, in the course of the conversation, no problem, but remember these products are made for airsoft use.