Online shops cash in on knock-off APEC fashion  

网店开售“APEC领导人礼服” 存在侵权嫌疑

Fake APEC jackets are sold in about a dozen shops on Taobao.com, China's major e-commerce website. (Photo: Beijing News)

(ECNS) -- Shortly after world leaders showed up for a family photo in silky, high-collared Chinese tunics on November 10, those outfits became an instant hit as online shops were flooded with orders for counterfeits, the Beijing News reported.

One shop saw over 20 reservations made within half a day, raising the price from 199 yuan ($32) to 289 yuan ($47) for men's jackets, and 269 yuan ($44) to 399 yuan ($65) for female equivalents.

The shop owner said quite a lot of shoppers wanted these garments because they're curious about the look and want to wear the same outfits as world leaders.

It's an APEC tradition for leaders to don locally designed clothing that reflects the host country's culture for the "family photo."[Special coverage]

In this year's image, taken in the Water Cube, male leaders appeared in green, brown or purple outfits cut from expensive silk with decorative patterns imitating ocean waves. Female guests wore long, embroidered jackets that were buttoned up.

The shop owner said the counterfeit clothing, which will be ready in 20 to 30 days, will be similar in appearance, but will incorporate a much cheaper fake silk to bring down the price.

Yang Li, a researcher at China University of Political Science and Law, said these counterfeits may infringe on designer patent rights. No official comment has yet been made as of writing.