Chinese fast fashion giant Shein and UK-based brand Oh Polly. On June 21, 2024, Oh Polly, along with its sister brand Bo&Tee, filed a lawsuit against Shein in England’s High Court, alleging that Shein had copied dozens of their original designs.
The complaint, registered on the Intellectual Property list, accuses Shein of copyright and design right infringement. Oh Polly has enlisted the services of law firm Fieldfisher to represent them in this high-stakes legal battle, while Shein has turned to Harbottle & Lewis for its defense.
Michael Branney, managing director of Oh Polly and Bo&Tee, expressed his concerns over the alleged copying, stating, "We are very concerned about the sale via the Shein website of dozens of garments copying our original designs, with the sale of some of those dupes promoted with unlawful copies of our own photographs."
This lawsuit comes at a critical time for Shein, which is striving to file a large-scale IPO with the London Stock Exchange. The move has divided politicians and industry professionals, many of whom cite Shein’s apparent lack of transparency and alleged supply chain missteps as core reasons to block the filing.
In response to the allegations, Shein has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. On September 19, 2024, Shein issued a statement denying that its garments were "made out exactly or substantially to the relevant Oh Polly designs."
The company argued that the legal threats from Oh Polly have harmed its business and stated that it would rely on a visual comparison at trial to prove its case. Shein's denial is part of a broader pattern of legal troubles for the company.
Founded in 2008, Shein has rapidly grown to become one of the world's most popular clothing brands, reaching $100 billion in sales in 2022. However, it has faced numerous lawsuits over copyright infringement, many from independent designers and established brands like H&M and Uniqlo. Additionally, Shein has been criticized for allegedly unsafe work conditions in its workshops, including claims of 17-hour workdays and docked pay for mistakes.
As the legal battle between Shein and Oh Polly unfolds, it highlights the intense competition and frequent legal disputes that characterize the fast fashion industry. Both companies are preparing for a contentious court case, with Shein aiming to clear its name and Oh Polly seeking justice for what it claims is blatant copying of its designs. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both brands and the broader fast fashion market.
