Shein Sued Temu for Copyright Infringement in the UK and Lost

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Ultra fast fashion retailer Shein is infamous for ripping off other designers with their low-quality knockoffs. So the irony of them suing even more ultra fast fashion rival Temu for copyright infringement in the UK is almost too rich for words. Especially since they just lost.

Shein had accused Temu of breaching its copyright “on an industrial scale”  by using its photos to advertise copies of Shein-branded clothing, thus “piggy-backing” on Shien as a more established ‌competitor. Temu, which is owned by PDD Holdings, denied the allegations and ‌said ‌that Shein was using the suit to suppress competition.

A spokesperson for Shein told Fashion Network that the company was taken aback by ‌the ruling: “We do not believe ⁠that is the right outcome for brands and ‌rights holders seeking to protect their copyright online.”

The ruling comes as ⁠Shein prepares ‌for a $30 billion to $40 ⁠billion valuation in a Hong Kong initial public offering.

Thursday’s ruling dismissed Shein’s claims for copyright infringement and upheld Temu’s counterclaim seeking damages for having to remove listings when Shein obtained ‌an injunction. Temu has also filed a separate counterclaim in the UK — due to go to trial in 2027 — alleging that Shein broke competition law by forcing fast-fashion suppliers ⁠to exclusive agreements.

Both brands have expanded rapidly across Europe and the Americas in recent years and have sued each other in the US as well.