Yes, ignoring copyright law or patent law - this was exactly what Germany (or rather German countries) did for much of the 19th century. It's the source of 'Mad

Yes, ignoring copyright law or patent law - this was exactly what Germany (or rather German countries) did for much of the 19th century. It's the source of 'Made in Germany' which began as a British label to make sure consumers were able to recognize inferior German copies of British (patented) products. When the quality of German products increased 'Made in Germany' developed into a sign of quality.