![The fake stores have the right fittings, artwork and even staff who think they are working for Apple. [iStockphoto]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_t_jgsPJgeZPG4u45U9XSyElj0b2lU-qyUxXsy4LdGdJm3yEd1D4XD6UKVkJT-jjnGBnuF72lBFthORBlzX9ec00cLoO-rD0hKwTGupBdKiUeJQkRtCl91OtQ=s0-d "The fake stores have the right fittings, artwork and even staff who think they are working for Apple. [iStockphoto]")
Chinese officials in Kunming ordered two fake Apple shops to close, a local newspaper reported on Monday.It follows a storm of media attention about an unauthorised and elaborate hoax store in the south-western city.
Five self-branded "Apple Stores" were found to be operating without authorisation from Apple Inc, according to the Metropolitan Times report.
Two stores were told to shut down because they did not have an official business licence, the paper reported, not due to concerns about copywrite, piracy or other concerns.
Inspections of around 300 shops in Kunming were carried out after a blog post by an American living in the city exposed a near flawless fake Apple Store where even the staff were convinced they were working for the iPhone and iPad maker.
That store, one of three found by the "BirdAbroad" blogger in the city, was not one of the stores closed.
In addition to protecting trademarks, Chinese law prohibits companies from copying the "look and feel" of other companies' stores, but enforcement is often spotty.
Five self-branded "Apple Stores" were found to be operating without authorisation from Apple Inc, according to the Metropolitan Times report.
Two stores were told to shut down because they did not have an official business licence, the paper reported, not due to concerns about copywrite, piracy or other concerns.
Inspections of around 300 shops in Kunming were carried out after a blog post by an American living in the city exposed a near flawless fake Apple Store where even the staff were convinced they were working for the iPhone and iPad maker.
That store, one of three found by the "BirdAbroad" blogger in the city, was not one of the stores closed.
In addition to protecting trademarks, Chinese law prohibits companies from copying the "look and feel" of other companies' stores, but enforcement is often spotty.
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