Over time many "copy guitars" have been spotted with genuine Rickenbacker nameplates; this forced the company to adopt a stringent nameplate policy. To purchase a new nameplate, customers have to return at least half of the old one.   Jack plates are also controlled items. To obtain a new jack plate, the buyer must return the existing plate or receive a new plate with a special sequence serial number. All limited edition pick plates are similarly restricted. The reason for all these restrictions is aimed at maintaining the resale value of genuine Rickenbacker guitars. It is also meant to protect less knowledgeable buyers from buying non-Rickenbacker products as the "real deal" since they carry original plate numbers.