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March 19, 2008

Knockoff News 79

A periodic collection of news about counterfeits, fakes, knockoffs, replicas, imitations, and the culture of copying in general around the globe:

No translation needed for these universal gestures from the Complaint Department!

And finally, publicity for the Sex and the City movie is well underway, but one assumes that Sarah Jessica Parker didn't authorize this particular product tie-in.  As for some of the similarly replicated actresses, singers, and celebutantes -- who knows?  (Polite pixelating courtesy of Defamer.)

 

Posted by Susan Scafidi at 05:45 PM |

February 25, 2008

Knockoff News 78

A weekly (or thereabouts) collection of news about counterfeits, fakes, knockoffs, replicas, imitations, and the culture of copying in general around the globe:

And finally, while Counterfeit Chic must confess to having seen almost none of this year's Academy Award-nominated films (did anyone go to the movies this year?), there's one winner that nevertheless must receive applause:  The Counterfeiters, Austria's entry for Best Foreign Language Film.  No clothes, just cash -- but name, after all, is destiny. 

Posted by Susan Scafidi at 12:06 AM |

February 08, 2008

Knockoff News 77

A weekly (or thereabouts) collection of news about counterfeits, fakes, knockoffs, replicas, imitations, and the culture of copying in general around the globe:

And finally, just how many of the customers slipping into the "secret," counterfeit-stuffed cubbyholes off New York's Canal Street are actually reporters?  If the number of feature articles built around such trips is any indication, quite a few.  Truth be told, Counterfeit Chic may have been asked to accompany one, or two, or three...

But the popular press junket may be history, thanks to a too-acquisitive, uncritical, and unapologetic piece from the Miami Herald:

Even the ostensibly cautionary sidebar concludes by noting that "casual buyers are unlikely to be busted" -- before offering shopping tips in the form of "homework" for future counterfeit customers.

Readers, including the IP manager for Coach, excoriated the paper for promoting illegal activity, leading its ombudman to offer a tepid semi-apology and a promise not to buy any more fakes himself.  No word on whether the "journalistic porn" actually increased circulation.  Or whether the paper reimbursed the reporter's $215 outlay. 

Thanks to Kate Lee for the tip!

Posted by Susan Scafidi at 08:19 PM |

January 26, 2008

Knockoff News 76

It's been a while -- but Knockoff News is back by popular demand (thanks, Likelihood of Confusion!).  Here's the latest collection of news about counterfeits, fakes, knockoffs, replicas, imitations, and the culture of copying in general around the globe:

Tavis Coburn's Mao Jordan

And finally, longtime Counterfeit Chic readers will remember Johnny Cupcakes and his ardent admirer, Urban Outfitters.  It seems there's now another clothing conglomerate that finds Johnny's tasty treats too delicious to resist:

If ever copyright infringement could cause cavities, this would be the case.

Posted by Susan Scafidi at 10:56 PM |

December 30, 2007

Knockoff News 75

A weekly (or thereabouts) collection of news about counterfeits, fakes, knockoffs, replicas, imitations, and the culture of copying in general around the globe:

And finally, take advantage of the post-holiday sale at your favorite museum shop now -- especially if your taste runs to ankh bracelets and pyramid paperweights.  Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities intends to seek royalties on exact copies of ancient objects in order to fund preservation. 

A far more laudable goal than the average pyramid scheme, to be sure.  But if you were worried about the extension of copyright term limits before.... 

Many thanks to Jacob Howley, cultural property aficionado extraordinaire, for the tip!

Posted by Susan Scafidi at 01:44 AM |

December 12, 2007

Knockoff News 74

A weekly (or thereabouts) collection of news about counterfeits, fakes, knockoffs, replicas, imitations, and the culture of copying in general around the globe:

Chloe (left), Urban Outfitters, and BB Dakota dresses

And finally, for those of you who believe in a place "Where Dreams Come True" and who always root for Pinocchio in his quest to become a real boy, here's proof of a kindred spirit in the Italian court system: 

Presumably the Magic Kingdom will have something to say about the exercise of personal jurisdiction over its citizens...

Posted by Susan Scafidi at 11:41 PM |

December 02, 2007

Knockoff News 73

A weekly (or thereabouts) collection of news about counterfeits, fakes, knockoffs, replicas, imitations, and the culture of copying in general around the globe:

  

Posted by Susan Scafidi at 09:38 PM |

November 06, 2007

Knockoff News 72

A weekly (or thereabouts) collection of news about counterfeits, fakes, knockoffs, replicas, imitations, and the culture of copying in general around the globe:

Zoo York Doodle messenger (left, USD $36.50) and Forever 21 Cali ($15.80)

And finally, a brief celebration of intellectual property and the first Tuesday in November.  (Yes, that's what you forgot to do today -- vote.)  You still have a year to get to the polls and decide whose carefully maintained Presidential image you prefer...

...but if you're a resident of Burlington, Iowa, there's a candidate who's asking for your support now.  Not only in the voting booth, but in his -- er -- misunderstanding with the Campbell Soup Company.  M'm -- not so good. 

Posted by Susan Scafidi at 01:12 AM |

October 15, 2007

Knockoff News 71

A weekly (or thereabouts) collection of news about counterfeits, fakes, knockoffs, replicas, imitations, and the culture of copying in general around the globe:

And finally, while some counterfeit busts involve months of investigation and the unraveling of complex digital networks of international intrigue, others are just dumb luck:

Posted by Susan Scafidi at 04:59 PM |

September 26, 2007

Knockoff News 70

A weekly (or thereabouts) collection of news about counterfeits, fakes, knockoffs, replicas, imitations, and the culture of copying in general around the globe:

And finally, what's the story with caveman chic?  First there was the ad campaign for Geico (below inset), which became an ABC sitcom.  Are the characters now moonlighting as sportswear models, or is the Weatherproof ad below a licensed use?  And who owns the characters' images anyway -- the ad agency?  the insurance company who originally paid for the ads?  the TV network?  the actors?  Of course, the basic concept of a modern-day caveman isn't new, but must they all share the same stylist?  More here and here. 

    Authorized copy or not, someone should club this trend over the head before it spreads any further. 

Posted by Susan Scafidi at 02:08 PM |

September 09, 2007

Knockoff News 69

A weekly (or thereabouts) collection of news about counterfeits, fakes, knockoffs, replicas, imitations, and the culture of copying in general around the globe: