Reproduction Tires

[danachevroletfor1967]

I have been wondering for awhile now why reproduction tires for our cars are so expensive, and the prices seem to be going up faster than the cost of regular new tires are. It seems to me that once the initial tire molds and other tire making equipment have been purchased that would be it for initial start up cost. Do the reproduction tire companies like Kelsey, Coker, and Universal have to continue to pay the original tire manufacturers a licensing fee ongoing?

I would expect to pay over $300 per tire for new tires for a Corvette Z06, Porsche GT3, or any Ferrari or Lamborghini car with their specially made tires from Goodyear, Michelin, and Pirelli, but not for a modern made regular tire that looks just like what would have come on our cars originally. Is it pure greed or is there something I am not aware of? Please enlighten me.