Shein Sues Temu For Alleged Design Theft, Claims Rival Company ‘Pushes Sellers To Infringe Upon Intellectual Property’

Shein Sues Temu For Alleged Design Theft, Claims Rival Company ‘Pushes Sellers To Infringe Upon Intellectual Property’

Shein and Temu’s latest legal tiff is more than just a fashion faux pas.

Shein is taking fast-fashion rival Temu to court, accusing it of copying its designs and stealing confidential information. The lawsuit, filed in Washington, D.C., claims Temu, owned by Chinese e-commerce giant PDD Holdings, has been operating under the guise of a legitimate marketplace while encouraging sellers to replicate and sell stolen designs.

Shein’s complaint alleges that Temu has engaged in a pattern of infringement, saying:

“Temu has masqueraded as a legitimate marketplace while pushing its sellers to infringe upon intellectual property rights and continuing to sell counterfeit goods even after admitting to the infringement.”

Shein’s lawsuit also includes examples of alleged design theft, pointing out that Temu’s site features images and products strikingly similar to those on Shein’s platform. For instance, a design of fall-themed coffee cups with jack-o’-lanterns and bats on a beige background on Shein’s site appears to be copied with a slight color change on Temu’s site.

Additionally, Shein claims that Temu has impersonated Shein on social media and used misleading ads to divert customers from Shein’s site. The lawsuit includes screenshots of fraudulent accounts and misleading ads as evidence.

Shein is seeking damages and demanding that Temu cease using its brand name and return any stolen documents.

Temu, for its part, has not held back in its response. A Temu spokesperson told media outlets:

“Shein, buried under its own mountain of IP lawsuits, has the nerve to fabricate accusations against others for the very misconduct they’re repeatedly sued for.”

It’s true. Ironically, Shein has faced similar allegations itself, being sued by Levi Strauss, H&M, and Dr. Martens for copying their designs.

What are your thoughts on Shein’s lawsuit against Temu? Share your thoughts below!