Duplicity

Ever so often, we see two (or more) ads that look extremely similar. It could be the copy, the artwork, or even the basic idea/concept behind it. While records can clearly confirm which one was the original and which one the copy, there doesn't seem to be any way of preventing these. I guess it comes down to the magic that is human diversity. Two completely unrelated people at opposite ends of the globe could hit upon the same idea without even knowing the other has even though of the same thing, much less created an ad with the idea!

Here are a couple of examples
of ads that have been "done" and then "ripped off". Other than bruised egos and misdirected credit, there isn't really massive cause for concern (though the kind folks on the discussion forums will beg to differ)!

Exhibit A - Nivea and Oreo

The Original

The Impostor

Exhibit B - McDonald's and.......McDonald's (Didn't see that coming, did you?)

The Original

The Impostor

While the second example throws up a more compelling case of blatant plagiarism, it doesn't really hold water (at least in my opinion) because it's for the same brand and the same service. Unless, of course, we're talking awards. That's a whole different ball-game!