Dupe (product)

A dupe is a product similar in appearance, functionality, or design to a higher-end, often more expensive, branded item but sold at a much lower price. Unlike counterfeit products, dupes do not copy trademarked brand names or logos.

Dupe products offer consumers an affordable alternative to luxury goods without significantly compromising quality or style. Dupes are particularly popular in fashion, beauty, and electronics, where the desire for trendy or high-performance items meets budget constraints. Social media platforms and influencers play a significant role in promoting dupes by sharing their discoveries and recommendations with their audiences.

Dupes aren’t usually counterfeit products pretending to be the real thing, but they often resemble the original closely enough that many of them might be considered as knockoffs. They may still be illegal under trademark laws if they confuse consumers or violate patents.