“It takes money to make money” is an old saying. “It takes money to make money becasue you have to copy the design exactly” is a jocular extension of the saying that has been cited in print since at least 1994. The original authorship is unknown.
 
The joke is frequently credited to American comedian Steven Wright, but there is no evidence that he said it.
 
 
Google Groups: alt.folklore.computers
Intuitive computers. (was Re: Stupid Computer Tricks)
Duncan Anker
9/7/94
(...)
It takes money to make money because you have to copy the design exactly.
 
Google Groups: rec.hunting
[RIFLE] Scope mounting question
Redbeard
8/10/95
“It takes money to make money because you have to copy the design EXACTLY”
   
Google Groups: alt.support.depression
HUMOR - Phoney Steven Wright Jokes
L.Ann
1/23/98
(...)
It takes money to make money because you have to copy the design exactly.
 
Google Groups: alt.quotations
Who’s asking?
Kevin G. Barkes
6/23/02
“Make money” (Was: Re: Who’s asking?)
It takes money to make money because you have to copy the design exactly.~Unknown
 
Twitter
Funny One Liners
‏@funnyoneliners
It takes money to make money because you have to copy it exactly.
3:52 PM - 19 Jun 2009
 
Google Books
The Meaning of Larf
By Philip Bradbury
Bradbury Corporation LLP
2010
Pg. 114:
It takes money to make money because you have to copy the design exactly.
   
Twitter
Funny1OneLiners
‏@Funny1OneLiners
TODAY’S MONEY ADVICE It takes money to make money . . . because you have to copy the design exactly.
1:16 PM - 27 Nov 2012