History Main / IMadeCopies

* A comic sci-fi short story by Creator/HarryHarrison had DaChief bullying one of his men to take on a mission instead of going on leave, citing a clause in his contract, which he produces for effect. The hero pulls out a raygun and disintegrates it, but the boss' computer just prints out another one.

* A comic sci-fi short story by Creator/HarryHarrison had DaChief bullying one of his men to take on a mission, showing his contract. The hero pulls out a raygun and disintegrates it, but the boss' computer just prints out another one.

* At the end of Flyaway by Desmond Bagley, the hero confronts the CorruptCorporateExecutive who's behind it all with the evidence proving him guilty of murder, among other crimes. He hands the man a certified copy of one piece of evidence which is immediately thrown in the fireplace. The hero just laughs and says there's plenty more where that came from.

When this happens with a ''character'', see ExpendableClone.

* In the ''Series/{{Sherlock}}'' episode "A Scandal in Belgravia", Irene Adler tells the CIA agents that she has hidden copies of all the secret information she extracted from her marks. Neither they nor Sherlock believe her.

* In ''VideoGame/DisgaeaHourOfDarkness'' episode 5 Maderas sends a challege to [[Characters/DisgaeaHourOfDarkness Laharl]] to contend for overlordship on the back of a embarrassing photo, he threatens to scatter copies of set photo all across the Netheroworld if Laharl does not comply.

* ''{{Blackadder}} II'' played with this. When blackmailing the Baby-Eating Bishop of Bath and Wells by showing him the paintings made of him and Percy in a sexual romp, the Bishop attempts to destroy the painting. Blackadder stops him, telling him that "We have the preliminary sketches."

* ''{{Blackadder}} II'' played with this. When blackmailing the Baby-Eating Bishop of Bath and Wells by showing him the paintings made of him and Percy in a sexual romp, Blackadder said, "We have the preliminary sketches."

* In the ''RegularShow'', Benson realizes that Peeps is pretty awkward around the house. That prompts him to call and demands a refund. [[spoiler: Peeps shows him the contract and points out all the loopholes he missed]]. Benson begins to get angry and tears up the contract. Peeps only laughs and mentions he made copies.

* SpongeBobSquarePants: [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick were having a snowball fight and Squidward, having nothing better to do, wanted to watch. But as soon as he did, they signed a peace treaty. Squidward tore it up...
--> '''[=Spongebob=]:''' ''That wasn't the peace treaty. That was a copy of the peace treaty.''

* In ''DisgaeaHourOfDarkness'' episode 5 Maderas sends a challege to [[Characters/DisgaeaHourOfDarkness Laharl]] to contend for overlordship on the back of a embarrassing photo, he threatens to scatter copies of set photo all across the Netheroworld if Laharl does not comply.

->'''Rat Demon #2:''' Only copy?
->'''Leo:''' Yes.
->'''Rat Demon #2:''' How do we know?
->'''Piper:''' What do you mean how do you know? You've just gotta trust us. We're the good guys for crying out loud.
-->''Series/{{Charmed}}'', "Trial By Magic"

* Colonel Mustard and Wadsworth engage in this in the film ''{{Clue}}''. Ultimately subverted, however, as the negatives are later destroyed.

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[[AC: Newspaper Comics]]

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[[AC: Live Action TV]]

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[[AC: Western Animation]]

--> '''[=Spongebob=]:''' ''"That wasn't the peace treaty. That was a copy of the peace treaty."''

[[AC: Real Life]]

* Intelligence agencies attempt to avert this trope as much as possible. In an emergency situation, such as an attack against an embassy, at least one person will be tasked with destroying as much documentation as possible, continuing even if the walls come down.

* In American universities, it's standard practice for graders to make photocopies of tests and assignments before returning them to students since students have been known to alter their answers and appeal for a better grade.

* ''{{Dilbert}}'' has Mordac the Refuser telling Wally he wishes to discuss Wally's request for a computer upgrade. Mordac then proceeds to eat Wally's request right there and tells Wally they lost the paperwork. Wally proceeds to pull an entire pile of paper out of his desk saying he's glad he made seventy five extra copies.

* In American universities, it's standard practice for graders to make photocopies of tests and assignments before returning them to students since students have been known to alter their answers and appeal for a better grade.

* At the end of ''IClaudius'', we see Nero and his mother burning Claudius's autobiography. Fortunately he made a copy and buried it.

* Averted in ''Veronica Mars'', when Weevil shows the blackmail material he has on the Fitzpatricks to "save" the PCHers. When asked if he made copies he replies "Lots of them!" and comments that now the Fitzpatricks will have to keep him safe to stop them getting out.

-->''{{Charmed}}'', "Trial By Magic"

* On ''{{Angel}}'', Wesley burns Lilah's contract with Wolfram & Hart, only for a fresh copy to immediately appear in the drawer.

* Happens in ''ILoveLucy'' when Lucy tears up a paper saying that she would agree not to overspend, Ricky then pulls out a saying, "I made a copy."

-->--'''Chris [=McLean=],''' ''TotalDramaIsland''

* In the first episode of ''TotalDramaIsland'', Gwen tears up her contract when she finds out what the competition will really be like. Naturally, Chris is prepared for this.