Why does it matter? In grand scheme of things there are now more people who have access to cheaper and efficent cleaning systems.
All companies are reverse engineering the Universe anyway. It's not like you build these technologies out of thin air.
All companies are reverse engineering the Universe anyway. It's not like you build these technologies out of thin air.
I’ve never talked to any rational person with an idea they were passionate about who said they weren’t interested in continuing with it because someone else might steal it.
A primary concern of any investor is whether you have a defensible 'moat" for your product or service - can you make something that will then have a high barrier to entry of competitors.
If you cannot articulate how you will have reasonably solid protection from patents. copyright, or trade secret practices, good luck getting investment.
Your only strategy will be to somehow make & stock ready to ship as much of your easily copied product as you can before promoting it, and hope your promotion, marketing, and initial sales are a huge hit BEFORE some Chinese rip-off artist starts marketing it on AliBaba in single-digit days. I've read of cases where people had their product literally found for sale on Chinese sites before their first marketing & customer shipments started, because the design was ripped off from the factory.
I am not getting anything designing work for you. On the other hand I can launch my own side projects. I know that if they are any good people are going to copy and start rip offs. I am willing to take that risk.