Core77

however, you can still tell the original design.

Think of it, if you can not tell the difference between the cheap knock off, then was the 'original design' any better?

or even, are consumers only simply drawn to typeface and overall 'style' and not actual good design..

and, what does this say about our current design direction.

I think designers are more apt to tell the original design, rather than the layperson consumer.

This happens all the time in pharmaceuticals and private label products. The cost of a product to manufacture will be 50 cents, the retailer will sell a brandname at $8 and a private label at $4. They are stocked next to each other for just this reason. There is no difference in formula, you are just paying double for marketing costs of the big name company.

this is a clear violation of trade dress laws. anyone?