I have noticed a trend in knock – off’s – Politeness!  Phrases like; ‘inspired by’, ‘influenced by’, or ‘in tribute to’ are terms usually referencing dead designers and acknowledge that the original was good enough to copy.

Still plagiarizing ideas should always be frowned on no matter how easy it is to do for those who fail to tune in to the creative source.  It is discouraging for those who can and dampens the process.