top of page

Competing with Knockoffs: Why Patented Safety Tech Still Matters

  • Writer: Gardian Angel, LLC
    Gardian Angel, LLC
  • May 29
  • 2 min read



Copycat products are everywhere—from sunglasses to safety systems. But when you’re talking about student lives, cut-rate technology isn’t just risky—it’s dangerous.



Gardian Angel is the only patented, ground-level school bus lighting system trusted in 26 U.S. states. And with federal interest in pedestrian safety increasing, we’re seeing what always follows success: imitators.


So let’s clear the air about what’s really at stake.





Not All Lights Are Created Equal



Several companies have started offering “similar” lighting products for school buses. But peel back the brochure, and here’s what you’ll often find:


  • No state approvals or inconsistent legal use

  • No proven visibility range in real-world conditions

  • No warranty or liability protection

  • No evidence of federal interest or independent testing

  • And in many cases… no patent at all



That’s not just bad business. That’s putting your fleet at risk—legally and ethically.





Why Patents Matter in Safety



We invested years developing the Gardian Angel system. It wasn’t slapped together to chase a trend—it was built to solve an actual problem.


  • Our lighting system is proven to increase student visibility at school bus stops

  • It’s patented, meaning your investment is protected from litigation

  • We’ve been legally reviewed and approved in 26 states (and counting)



Can your lighting vendor say that?

Can they prove it?


If not, you’re gambling with taxpayer dollars—and student safety.





The Legal and Financial Risk of Knockoffs



Some districts choose cheaper alternatives to save money up front. Here’s what they don’t consider:


  • If a knockoff light fails and a student is hit, liability skyrockets

  • Vendors may vanish if something goes wrong—no warranty, no accountability

  • Many “similar” products aren’t actually legal in your state—and using them could put your entire fleet under scrutiny






Gardian Angel Is the Real Deal



There’s a reason we’ve stood up to imitators:

They don’t offer what we do.

Not in protection. Not in legality. Not in results.


We’re already ahead of most competitors—and with the NHTSA safety report on the horizon, that lead is only going to widen.





📣 Don’t buy cheap. Buy proven. Buy patented.

👉 Follow us on [Facebook] and [LinkedIn] to stay ahead of copycat products and policy news.


 
 
 

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


© 2025 Gardian Angel LLC. All rights reserved.  

Gardian Angel is a patented, state-approved school bus lighting system engineered to set the national standard for student safety and visibility.  

Not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA or any government agency. Compliance requirements vary by state — see our Resources Hub for details.  

Any misuse, imitation, or misrepresentation of Gardian Angel products or branding is a violation of federal law. We actively monitor infringement and work with legal counsel and federal authorities to protect our intellectual property.  

Site built with purpose by Andrew Gardner.

Gardian Angel can be found on the
Top School Bus Fleets of 2022

Thanks, Kanawha County Schools, coming in at No. 23 with 163 route buses, keeping their 21,234 students transported safer

with the Gardian Angel!

  • Black Facebook Icon
  • Black Pinterest Icon
  • Black Twitter Icon
  • Black YouTube Icon
  • Black LinkedIn Icon
bottom of page