On fountain pens counterfeits can still be well recognised by the bad nib quality; on ballpoints and Starwalkers the differences are significantly more subtle and partly only noticeable to the expert. Montblanc engages against product piracy and accepts hints on eBay fakes. The service area is rated mixedly: nib swaps and repairs can take several weeks; in individual cases statements about nib equipment are communicated contradictorily. Experience values differ strongly, which is why blanket judgements on service quality are precluded.