Imitation, Inc.: 9 Fictional Companies, 9 Real-Life Counterparts

By Mike Schuster May 21, 2009 12:00 pm

Art mimicks corporate America.

After a long day at Minyanville, we like to cut loose by collapsing in front of the TV -- or heading to the movies --and watching art imitate work.

And these days, it's not hard to find actors pretending to be working stiffs.

The Office's Dunder Mifflin on NBC (GE), The Simpsons' Duff Beer on Fox (NWS), Iron Man's Stark Enterprises from Paramount (VIA) - all are based on real-life companies with real-life people doing real-life jobs.

But which well-known corporations provide the inspiration for these hit shows and feature films? Click through our slideshow to find out.