In a recent social media storm, X users ignited a fiery debate, accusing Petronas, the Malaysian oil and gas giant, of copying the bag designs of a local clothing company, Oh Sebenar.
The controversy has sparked concerns over the boundaries between creativity and coincidence, raising questions about the ethics of larger corporations emulating smaller businesses.
Petronas accused of copying local business’ tote bag designs
The alleged design theft came to light when eagle-eyed netizens noticed striking similarities between the bag designs of Petronas and Oh Sebenar.
Both bags sport a simple yet practical tote design with an extra-wide front flap, ideal for carrying items like yoga mats.
While the bags share this functional feature, the key point of contention lies in the distinctive designs adorning them.
In a world where ideas can be easily shared and replicated, it’s not uncommon for brands, big and small, to find themselves at odds over alleged design theft.
Imitation or inspiration?
In this case, the X platform is abuzz with speculation, as users express their concerns and skepticism about Petronas’s intentions.
However, some argue that the resemblance might not be a blatant act of imitation.
They point out that similar bag designs can be found elsewhere online, suggesting that the concept may not be entirely original or patented.
Many such products are often labeled as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) items, typically mass-produced in Chinese factories at low costs.
These products are designed to be versatile, allowing any company or brand to personalise them with their own designs and logos for resale as their merchandise.
The ‘damage control’ controversy
The netizen also suggests that by removing the bag photo from their website, deleting a TikTok comment with the phrase “creativity comes in many forms,” and taking down an Instagram post featuring the bag, Petronas was engaged in what they perceive as damage control.
At the time of writing, Petronas has not yet responded to a request for comment from WeirdKaya seeking clarification on the issue.
You can read how it unfolds here:
While the source of inspiration for these two bags remains uncertain, this incident has underscored the significance of advocating for local artists and designers.
