Ancient China may have introduced the four great inventions of the compass, gunpowder, papermaking and printing to the world. But modern Chinese brands often look altogether more familiar and less novel.
Like the recent unveiling of new sportswear brand Uncle Martian, whose name and logo courted controversy for looking suspiciously similar to American brand Under Armour.
Yet, Uncle Martian is far from the first Chinese brand to attract attention for its blatant rip-off coincidental likenesses to other names.
Here are a few more:
1. Bucksstar vs Starbucks
Everyone knows about Starbucks, but it is only in China that you will be able to find ‘Bucksstar Coffee’.
2. Hike vs Nike
Everyone knows Nike’s iconic swoosh. But the China version “Hikes” imitation to the next level.
3. Owega vs Omega
Omega is a world famous Swiss luxury watchmaker. In China, the ‘M’ is turned upside down to get “Owega”. Maybe that is to account for China being in opposite time zones.
4. KDF vs KFC
We wonder if the one in China is “finger-lickin’ good” too.
5. Various copies of adidas
Dasabi, Odidos…all seem to bear an uncanny resemblance world-renowned sportswear giant adidas.
Perhaps, you could say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
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seanyap@sph.com.sg
