Shein Accuses Temu of Copying Products in U.S. Lawsuit

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In the latest chapter of the ongoing rivalry between ultra-fast fashion giants, Shein has accused its competitor Temu of intellectual property infringement. In a civil lawsuit filed in the United States on August 19, 2024, Shein claims that Temu unlawfully used copyrighted images of products that closely resemble those sold by Shein.

The allegations against Temu focus on the use of near-identical photos of Shein’s clothing, which Shein argues were used to promote counterfeit versions of its products. This development is particularly surprising, given Shein's own controversial reputation for copying designs from other fashion brands. Shein’s legal complaint, as reported by 404 Media, accuses Temu of engaging in "illegal activities built on counterfeiting, trade secret theft, intellectual property violations, and fraud."

Shein further accuses Temu of attempting to infiltrate the U.S. market through what it claims is an illegitimate e-commerce platform. According to Shein, Temu exercises strict control over the sellers on its site, forcing them to offer products that infringe on intellectual property laws.

The rivalry between the two companies has intensified in recent years, with both sides accusing each other of unethical practices, from influencer campaigns aimed at tarnishing reputations to alleged seller restrictions.