This is purely conjecture...
But I have witnessed it before...
Company A has an excellent product and pitches it to a retailer (or boat manufacturer).
Retailer then contacts their favorite Bompany B who can fabricate.
They say, how much can you make Company A's product for and "Give us a good Deal".
Company B ends up making the product and underbidding Company A at the retailers suggestion and request.
I have witnessed this two or three times at one retailer I worked for (Not boat related). They ripped off small manufacturer's designs. These small companies went under because of this. Not to mention they did not have IP protection.
Here, Could Shockwave and Eliminator have done this? Maybe... If they are smart, they had nothing to do with it.
EM should be held to the fire for knocking off BB's product.
Maybe Froggy's IP attorney might want to know some of the small manufacturers here on HB?