The first prize went to an imitation of the front and side gripping pliers KNIPEX TwinGrip (see article picture above). The original comes from KNIPEX in Wuppertal, North Rhine‑Westphalia, while the copies were apparently offered by Chinese dealers via the much‑debated online platform Temu. Although their appearances differ from the original only in the smooth plastic of the handles, the copies reportedly show significant flaws. The manufacturer KNIPEX apparently criticizes e‑commerce platforms like Temu, saying that imitations can be repeatedly listed despite knowledge of IP rights and takedown options. There would be too little prevention and too few sanctions for violations.
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Second place went to a copy of the bicycle basket bikebasket by Reisenthel, a manufacturer based in the Bavarian town of Gilching. The copycat product was apparently sold via the ManoMano online marketplace. According to Plagiarius, this raises the question of liability: The imprint of the retailer START is empty and the operator of the online platform, Colibri SAS, claims to only provide technical infrastructure. Only after a legal notice was sent did they respond to requests. |
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Third place went to a French gifts wholesaler that, according to Plagiarius, used the motif of a greeting card by the artist Jörg Mohme for a 35‑piece porcelain series, without acquiring a license first. Since the dealer was apparently unwilling to cooperate, Mohme had to file a lawsuit and spend nine years in court proceedings before the infringement was confirmed by the court. |
In addition to the three main prizes, five equal awards were given. According to Plagiarius, these include the following cases:
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One of the awards went to a copy of the insect bite healer BR 60 from the long‑established company Beurer, based in the Swabian city of Ulm. According to Plagiarius, a Chinese manufacturer had not only imitated the design but also made misleading advertising claims. In China, the imitator supposedly even obtained design protection for its imitations and offers them online in large quantities. |
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Another award went to an imitation of the toy excavator BRUDER ROADMAX, manufactured by BRUDER Spielwaren, based in Fürth, Bavaria. The inferior plastic used in the imitation product is said to break easily, posing a risk of injury. The copycat product costs almost as much as the original but is significantly smaller. Although the offer has been deleted from Amazon, the dealer remains uncooperative. |
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Another Plagiarius was awarded to an imitation of the radiator grille Star Pattern of the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer Mercedes‑Benz. Reportedly, the counterfeit product infringed trademark and design and was offered by a company in Spain at a significantly higher price than the original. According to the company, in 2023, Mercedes‑Benz had removed more than 1.6 million counterfeit products from circulation in cooperation with authorities. |
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The ALBULA recycling system from Swiss manufacturer Rotho has also been copied. A Chinese manufacturer’s imitation reproduces the original down to the last detail, including the patented snap‑in buttons. However, the manufacturer of the imitation denies having produced or distributed it. |
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Finally, a copy of the Proturn electrically insulated screwdriver from Wiha Werkzeuge of Schonach in the Black Forest was also recognized. The danger here is that the copy was advertised as an insulated screwdriver for electricians, although the product does not meet the applicable safety standards and thus poses a risk of electric shock. |
The Plagiarius organization emphasizes that the same appearance does not mean the same quality. This year’s laudatory speaker, Dr. Maria Kottke‑Klein, Vice President of the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA), said in her speech: “Counterfeiting damages our economy, costs many jobs, and endangers the safety and health of consumers.” The negative award is intended to draw attention to this problem and raise awareness of the risks of counterfeiting.
