Chinese electronics company Xiaomi has a rather poor reputation when it comes to copying other companies. People have called comparisons to Apple's phones, tablets, set-top boxes and even Apple's stores and keynotes.

It looks like Apple isn't the only company Xiaomi is willing to take notes from as the Mi Air Purifier is the latest product to be labeled a "copy", this time by Japan's Balmuda air purifier.

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Balmuda's head of design Gen Terao said "It was discovered that Xiaomi's air purifier is surprisingly similar to a product that we released in 2012 ... I personally was very bewildered by this."

Adding fuel to the fire, Balmuda has disclosed a partnership with Xiaomi was on the table, but the Japanese company decided against it due to lack of time. The decision may have forced Xiaomi to simply copy the design of the air purifier.

Xiaomi partnered with Zhimi Technology to develop the air purifier. When asked to comment on the allegations, Zhimi said the product was completely different from Balmuda's Air Engine - in both internal performance and exterior design.

Zhimi also claims it developed 31 patents specifically for the air purifier and that it is a unique product in its own right, although the exteriors looks similar. Xiaomi has defended the idea of copying a design.

"Our designers, our engineers, are inspired by great products and by great design out there," said Hugo Barra, Xiaomi's vice president of International. "And frankly who in today's world isn't?"

Air purifiers are in high demand in China due to the poor quality of air in major cities. The amount of pollution leads to smog over major cities and forces some citizens to wear masks, to protect from the toxic fumes.

Several large tech companies have used the popularity to build their own model. Balmuda was one of the first-also selling the Air Engine in China for 5499 CNY ($888). Compared to Xiaomi's budget 899 CNY ($146), it is clear why Balmuda might be a bit annoyed.

TagsMi Air Purifier, Balmuda, air purifier, Xiaomi copycat