Fashion

Uniqlo vs Shein lawsuit over “Copycat” shoulder bag design

Uniqlo, a Tokyo-based clothing retailer and part of Fast Retailing Company, has initiated legal action against the Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein.

Published: Jan 16, 2024 1:09 PM

By Jeanel Alvarado

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Uniqlo vs Shein lawsuit over “Copycat” shoulder bag design

Uniqlo, a Tokyo-based clothing retailer and part of Fast Retailing Company, has initiated legal action against the Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein. The lawsuit, filed on December 28, 2023, in Tokyo District Court, accuses Shein of copying Uniqlo’s popular Round Mini Shoulder bag, a design that went viral and was ranked as 2023’s top bag by Lyst.

Uniqlo is demanding that Shein cease sales of the imitation products and compensate for damages, citing violation of the Unfair Competition Prevention Act of Japan. The bag in question gained significant attention with over 119 million views on TikTok and frequently sold out, being offered in nine colorways at a price of $19.90.

Amidst these allegations, Shein, which is reportedly preparing for a U.S. IPO, has faced multiple legal challenges over alleged copyright infringement, including a case under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO).

Uniqlo’s legal action asserts that Shein’s version of the bag is a blatant copy, infringing upon the original design and violating Japan’s Unfair Competition Prevention Act.

The company is seeking an injunction to halt the sale of the contested products and is demanding compensation for damages incurred due to the alleged intellectual property theft. Despite the ongoing legal dispute, Fast Retailing, Uniqlo’s parent company, remains focused on expanding its North American footprint…

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Uniqlo vs Shein lawsuit over “Copycat” shoulder bag design

Uniqlo, a Tokyo-based clothing retailer and part of Fast Retailing Company, has initiated legal action against the Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein.

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