It is popular to see various modern replica furniture at home, office or eatery and accommodation centers. We can say they are elegant, inspired and a mix of mid-century and today’s concepts. Chairs and tables are the most replicated designer furniture in the world. Top replica manufacturers have always taken advantage of loopholes in the laws that regulates them depending on different countries. In fact, most countries did not haves a problem with the replicas until 2016.
A look at the modern replica designer furniture
The original Furniture
When the designers made their designs and started selling the furniture, most of them did not know much about the patent of the original idea. When they were enlightened and took the step, all the European countries, and Scandinavian countries gave them a parent of 25 years only. During this period, they were all protected, and no one could replicate or sell their designs without involving them. These means that all the popular designers like Wegner and Jacobsen could directly enjoy from their creativity.
How replicas came in
Most of the designers did their first work in the mid 20 century. Considering that they were only granted 25 years protection of their work, then there was a loophole in the 70s. Most countries did not consider extending the patent. With this, many companies in the UK and Denmark started replicating and selling the great designers work. There was no law barring them from doing it.
The Effect
The immediate effect was that the original designers could not enjoy all their designs as some could not even understand which companies were making their work. A designer in Denmark or Germany could only hear of a company in the UK replicating their work. The companies were vigorous and could sell to various parts of the world with ease. Another effect was that they could change the dimensions of the furniture to fit various clients need.
This had a big impact on the original idea of the furniture.Today most replica furniture only resemble the original one slightly as they incorporate other concepts to make hybrids. Materials also change depending on the availability per region where the furniture is made.
New rules
Well, today there are new rules that regulate the making and selling of the designer furniture. As a matter of fact, all except affected countries except Ireland a have in the year 2016 amended the patent on designer furniture to cover 70 years. Ireland still holds at 25 years and therefore it is still legal to make and sell the replicas.
