That is one of the most blatant rip-offs I have ever heard, but it is not an uncommon phenomonem in office and company politics. There are a lot of people who are so centred on themselves they seem amazed when someone points out to them what they have done.
Two or three years ago there was an article in 'Fly Tyer' magazine about a wonderfull new fly called I think the 'Peanut'. It had a brown hen hackle and a peacock herl body and was tied on TMC 2488 which is a longish straight eyed hook usually used for nymphs and some dry flies.
I was completely amazed that someone could write such an article and show it on a prestigious magazine and also that the magazine could publish it.
That is what is called here in Scotland 'a right Brass neck'.