In Defense of Fakes: How Copies Can Elevate Creativity

Copying is a form of creativity that's becoming increasingly important, especially in the Chinese century, argued Felix Salmon.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The article argues that copies, fakes, and reproductions have been crucial engines of culture throughout history, and that the stigma against copying in the West is misguided. It suggests that the more accepting attitude towards copies in China may be the more enlightened approach, as copying can be a form of creativity that increases supply to meet demand. The piece cites examples of famous artists and artworks that have been copied and reproduced, often to great acclaim, and argues that copyright laws have been extended too far, harming creators. It concludes that renewing, restoring, and reinventing existing works should be seen as part of a creative spectrum, not as acts of deception.

Why it matters

As the world transitions from a US-dominated era to one dominated by China, attitudes towards copies and fakes will become an increasingly important issue. The article argues that the more accepting Chinese perspective on copying as a form of creativity may be the more enlightened approach, challenging the Western stigma against copying.

The details

The article discusses how copying has been a key part of artistic and cultural development throughout history, with examples ranging from Rubens copying Titian to contemporary artists like Cory Arcangel encouraging others to copy their work. It also examines how luxury brands often benefit from counterfeits, which can increase consumer desire for the original products. The piece argues that copyright laws have been extended too far, harming creators, and that the destruction of forged wine bottles is an example of the West's overly harsh treatment of copies.

  • The article was published on February 12, 2026.

The players

Felix Salmon

The author of the article and a proponent of the view that copying can be a form of creativity.

Byung-chul Han

A South Korean philosopher who has written about the Chinese concept of 'shanzhai', which views copying as a creative act.

Rudy Kurniawan

A wine forger who was sentenced to 10 years in prison and deported for defrauding collectors.

Cory Arcangel

A contemporary artist who encourages others to copy his gradient works.

Sol LeWitt

An artist in the 1960s who gave clear instructions on how to re-create his works, allowing others to do so.

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What they’re saying

“The Chinese idea of the original is determined not by a unique act of creation, but by unending process, not by definitive identity but by constant change.”

— Byung-chul Han, South Korean philosopher (Shanzhai: Deconstruction in Chinese)

“The Chinese often send copies abroad instead of originals, in the firm belief that they are not essentially different from the originals.”

— Byung-chul Han, South Korean philosopher (Shanzhai: Deconstruction in Chinese)

What’s next

As the article suggests, the increasing prominence of China on the global stage will likely lead to more discussions and debates around the value and role of copies and fakes in art, culture, and commerce. Experts and policymakers will need to grapple with how to approach this issue, potentially drawing lessons from the more accepting Chinese perspective.

The takeaway

This article challenges the Western stigma against copying, arguing that it can be a form of creativity that increases supply to meet demand. It suggests that the more accepting Chinese attitude towards copies may be the more enlightened approach, and that renewing, restoring, and reinventing existing works should be seen as part of a creative spectrum, not as acts of deception.