Dupes are one of the most polarizing topics in the beauty industry today. But regardless of how you feel about dupes, there's no denying that they have become an integral part of the beauty industry ecosystem.For budget-conscious consumers, finding a budget-friendly alternative to a more expensive, premium product in a sense gamifies the shopping experience. Dupes offer consumers the chance to replicate the look or effect of a prestige product without the price tag. Consumers who seek out dupes prioritize value over luxury branding. Brands like MCoBeauty and e.l.f. Cosmetics have successfully capitalized on this trend, building profitable businesses catering to those seeking these more accessible options.For brands that have been duped, lower-cost lookalike products can pose a significant threat to their business and diminish their market share, even if the product performance doesn’t compare to the original.While imitation might be considered flattery in other contexts, it can also land beauty brands that dupe in serious legal trouble. Dupe beauty brands often straddle the thin line between inspiration and imitation, sometimes stepping right over the line into infringement. But how close is too close? What’s the difference between a legal dupe and an illegal copycat? In today’s current dupe-loving culture, how can brands offering dupe products ensure they are operating within the boundaries of intellectual property (IP) law?If you’ve ever seen a dupe product on store shelves that looks so similar to the original that you wonder how it’s even legal, this guide examines the strategies companies use to avoid IP infringement.