Copy Cats. We think this is a great idea! Next time we are in Germany, we will be sure to visit the new Plagiarism Museum in Solingen, outside of Cologne. Showcasing designs from original innovators and their counterfeit copies, the goal of the Plagiarius is to highlight the negative impact that plagiarism has on the global economy and creativity...
There is a brief article in Businessweek discussing the museum and this year's awards (some form of the awards have been given since 1977!). Check out some of the winners from the Businessweek slideshow:
Who would you nominate for the Plagiarius award? Via Swissmiss.
Museum Photograph by Tomas Riehle
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
The line between plagiarism and inspiration is not always clear. Let's not forget that everything is built on what has been done before.
That said most of the examples are rather clear in that respect.
view Jute Zak's profile
Why would anyone WANT to plagiarize these items? Well, maybe the gas pump handle is okay looking.
view Kurt's profile
I own the original CARRYBAG (the Hyena Award) and it functions very well. I did saw in stores a few similar shopping bags before and I did not buy them because they did not seem well made. Quality is important to me. I prefer originals.
Copies are done as cheap imitation but there is a market for it; some people cannot afford the real thing. That is why it exists. The copies shown here are easy to spot; sometimes it is harder and that where it is a huge deal for the manufacturers. But in general, copies do help the sale of the original pieces. It then becomes a status symbol to own the real thing.
view At Home with kim vallee's profile
That 300 million that is supposedly lost...where does it go? To other people who can do the same thing for less. I don't believe in patents. Plaigarism fosters a more egalitarian society, not to mention a less litigious one.
view m's profile