We all know that China’s passion for iPads and iPhones has triggered widespread counterfeiting. This week it turned out the copying hype is going beyond every imagination. In the Chinese city of Kunming, a fake Apple store was discovered. The store was reproduced so convincingly that even the employees think they work for Steve Jobs.

An American blogger uncovered the store, but initially was fooled. At first glance, the signs, computers and lay out looked exactly like a real Apple Store. However, when looking closer she noticed the stairs ware poorly made, the walls had not been painted well and, most important of all, the shop front sign said ‘Apple Store’, whereas the real Apple stores only use the Apple trademark for the shop front sign. Probably, the items sold in this Apple Store are all counterfeited.

Earlier this month, Mr. Jiang Zengwei, the Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce made the following statement:

"You could say that there still exist some problems with China's IPR, but I don't endorse the idea that it is still extremely serious."

Quite remarkable, given the above mentioned news about the fake Apple store and, for example, the fake Disneyland theme park that was closed down last May. It will be highly likely Apple will take measures against this store. Earlier this year, competitor Microsoft complained that the company is suffering greatly from software piracy in China.

Read more about China and its fight against IP infringement on Future of Copyright:

- China says their copyright enforcement mission is completed

- Microsoft appalled by software piracy in China

- Chinese government closes down fake Disneyland park

- Chinese govt. maintains strict approach to piracy and counterfeited goods

- Chinese govt. declares war on file sharing

Reference: The Straits Times