I agree that looked more like tire failure than curb rash or alignment.
But I'd still check the alignment.. Also the weight on the tire and the tire's inflation charts.. I forget to mention improper inflation.
Regarding the brand name...
Some coach (I do recall who) said that every team can be counted on to Win 1/3 of their games, and lose 1/3 of their games. it is the remaining third that makes up the difference between the champions and the basement.
With tire companies. the percentages may be different, but every company, no matter how good occasionally puts out an "Opps" and every company no matter how bad a good one. The ratio of Gold to Lemon is what makes a good bran v/s "China bombs".