Innovation vs. imitation - ‘Plagiarius’ negative award against the theft of ideas
In 1977, designer Prof. Rido Busse, himself affected by counterfeiting, launched the ‘Plagiarius’ negative award and has thus done pioneering work in terms of information, education and awareness-raising on the subject of product and brand piracy.
The negative prize is awarded annually to manufacturers and retailers of particularly brazen imitations. The trophy is the black dwarf with the golden nose - symbolising the profits that product pirates literally make at the expense of others.
The aim is to educate the public in a practical way (with exhibitions, lectures, counselling, press work) about the extent, damage and dangers of counterfeiting and to raise awareness of the fact that the unscrupulous business practices of counterfeiters cause enormous damage to the industry and represent fraud or danger to consumers.
The Museum Plagiarius in Solingen displays more than 350 originals and counterfeits from a wide range of industries in direct comparison. We provide interesting facts and background information in guided tours.