Shein vs. Temu: Who Is Copying Who?

Another legal drama straight from the world of fast fashion! This time, titans Shein and Temu are squaring off. Yes, you heard that right – the very platforms often accused of imitation are now bickering over who has been “inspired” by whom the most. 

What’s Shein Accusing Temu Of?

On Monday, Shein filed a complaint in federal court in Washington, D.C., claiming that Temu is orchestrating a “coordinated scheme” of trade secret theft. Apparently, one of Temu's employees swiped insider info about Shein’s top-selling products, and Temu jumped at the chance to direct its sellers to churn out cheap knock-offs. Shein also alleges that Temu not only encourages the sale of these copies but also blocks brands from removing their products from the platform. So when they copy, they do it with enthusiasm!

And if that wasn’t enough, Shein claims that Temu has created fake social media accounts impersonating Shein to redirect customers to its competitor. It’s a cat-and-mouse game in fast fashion – complete with the occasional legal shootout.

The Never-Ending Showdown

But wait, this legal “showdown of the titans” isn’t their first rodeo. Temu actually filed a lawsuit against Shein last year, accusing it of mafia-style tactics – specifically, intimidation and harassment of suppliers to work exclusively for Shein. Temu claims that Shein has been firing off thousands of bogus copyright claims to stifle its business. Since then, it’s been a legal back-and-forth like a ping-pong match, with both sides trading blows. Who knows where this game will end?

A Bit of Irony to Wrap It Up

As if it wasn’t ironic enough that Shein is accusing Temu of underhanded tactics, Shein has quite the history of similar legal disputes. Brands like H&M, Levi's, Puma, and others have all accused it of selling knock-offs of their products. Shein is also under fire for unethical labor practices, with reports suggesting unsafe working conditions and unreasonably long hours for workers. So when these two brands throw accusations of copying at each other, it’s a bit, shall we say, “paradoxical.”

 

 

Source: Roush, T. (2024, srpen 20). Shein Sues Temu Over Copyright Infringement—Claiming Fast Fashion Rival Sells Counterfeits [Online Magazine]. Forbes; Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2024/08/20/shein-sues-temu-over-copyright-infringement-claiming-fast-fashion-rival-sells-counterfeits/

Photo: DMCGN, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

While Shein and Temu engage in another round of “who’s copying who,” it’s a brilliant reminder of how crucial it is to protect your intellectual property. Whether you’re in fashion, tech, or anywhere else, original ideas are the key to success. Here at Korejzova Legal, we’re here to help you safeguard your ideas so you can focus on what you do best – creating and growing. Reach out to us so you won’t have to worry about anyone turning your brilliant concept into their own!