How to Defend Your Designs Against Knockoffs There are many ways to fight copycats--and they may even lead to opportunities.

Throughout history the pattern has been the same: First an innovative design is introduced for a specific audience; then it's followed by reproductions--often unauthorized--that are marketed to everyone else.

"Knockoffs are inevitable," says New York City-based lighting designer Lindsey Adelman. "It's not bad or good.

It makes sense that people will see something and want it for themselves."