autoevolution 23 Apr 2021, 4:36 UTC · by Cases of Chinese automakers borrowing design elements, taking inspiration from popular or classic models, or downright ripping them off to create cheaper versions are quite frequent. Every once in a while, one such “tribute” comes close enough to the original to prompt legal action by the trademark owner. 17 photos The last time one such case made international headlines and caused very heated, divisive reactions involved a BYD car branded the SS Dolphin and styled very much like a classic C1 Corvette. Had it been a tribute of some sorts, it would have been a cheeky, irreverent one, verging on tacky and ridiculous. As a knockoff, General Motors could do nothing about it since no specific trademark had been infringed. That was because the Chinese maker was careful enough to replicate the overall aesthetic without getting into trouble by being specific.