Not a new phenomenon
Not surprising if true. Copying is a form of flattery.
Reminds me of Konkordski and a few other Soviet look-alike air craft, both civil and military, which were quite common during the Cold War years.
I would guess that if you don't have too many sophisticated wind-tunnel and FEA computer analysis systems to hand, then the next best thing is to 'borrow' what obviously seems to work for those who do. After all, they must have already discounted many other options before choosing the one they have actually used.
Saves a lot of time trying to reinvent the wheel!
However, what's inside the visible copy, may not be the same at all.
