However the interconnected nature of today's world is making it easier - and magicians can't always rely on the law to protect them...
Jeff McBride is one of the most accomplished magicians in the world. His most famous routine is an intricate series of transformations, with a variety of masks, taking the audience through the entire history of magic. But last year, McBride discovered he was not the only one performing his signature routine, one of his most enthusiastic fans spotted a clip on YouTube of a Thai magician doing McBride's entire routine on local TV - move for move - along to McBride's music. The fake had even cut and dyed his hair to copy McBride. The fan notified McBride.
"It's the most carbon copy sort of duplication I have ever seen," says McBride. "This was the whole enchilada... It's not just a duplication of one of my tricks, it's not just an exact copy of one of my routines - it's my show, my entire show," he says.
To find out what Master Magician Jeff McBride did about it and to see a unique side by side viewing of Jeff McBride and his Thai double in action click here : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21861418
