They are not genuine minilites, most likely. The read thing haven't been made in most sizes in years-I think they re-started production in Mini Cooper sizes, and that's all. Panasport is the most popular Minilite-alike on the market, and they are a very well made wheel. The knock offs (I assume you mean wheels with a knock-off spinner like wire wheels, not "knock-off" like buying a pair of knock-off Oakleys) are probably made by Panasport.
-Wm.