I was surprised to see a TechCrunch article today about the supposed innovative tech hub that is Shenzen in China. Most of us know that the Chinese don’t seem to have too much of an ethical problem in copying software, gadgets, designer clothes and pretty much anything else, so the stereotype is that the Chinese manufacture, they don’t innovate.

It’s happened countless times in the startup world, which is why sites that are popular world wide tend to find it hard getting momentum in China as there is invariably a home grown Chinese copy (I can’t help but suspect this is somehow encouraged by the fiercely protectionist Chinese authtorities).

I’m open to having stereotypes contradicted but this article did nothing to do dispel my belief that China is an extremely efficient copying machine rather than a creative hub of innovative tech entrepreneurs.

The TechCrunch Article mentions BYD as being a shining example of innovation, with Western journalists supposedly agog at their R&D. I think R&D is Chinese for “Copy good ideas”.

For a start let’s take a look at their logo:

Not so innovative.

And some of their designs:

First the BYD S6 – A shameless copy of the Lexus RX

Next the BYD F6 and the spookily similar looking BMW 7:

I’m not so sure that we’ve seen the spark of innovation in China yet. A good start would be to tighten up software piracy laws and properly enforce intellectual property, perhaps then some truly innovative ideas might actually make some profit for their creators. Why spend all that time developing a great business or product when every Chinaman and his dog can create carbon copies faster than you can ship the originals?