Latest news with #TheMonsters'
Fashion United
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion United
Labubu vs. 7-11: Global boom fuels Pop Mart's legal offensive against imitators
Labubu, a fluffy-eared elf character with a wide-toothy grin, has become the unassuming centrepiece of an intellectual property dispute. Once a niche collectible, the keychain figurine has evolved into a fashion-forward accessory that has garnered a cult-like following, and competitors have taken notice. Now, Pop Mart, the Chinese toy giant behind Labubu, is aggressively defending its rights. Its latest target is convenience store chain 7-Eleven. In a lawsuit filed with the US District Court for the Central District of California, Pop Mart has accused the retailer, along with eight of its California-based franchisees, of selling counterfeit versions of the popular character. With this filing, 7-Eleven joins a growing list of companies facing legal action from Pop Mart, as the brand works to solidify its position in the accessory toy market. First things first, what is Labubu? Where did it come from? And why is it so popular? Despite first hitting the market in 2015, Labubu's viral rise to fame didn't take off until early this year. Originally created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, who based the figurines of characters from his 'The Monsters' book series, the elf-like character had initially gained modest recognition in niche circles. It wasn't until 2019, when Lung secured a partnership with Pop Mart, Labubu's commercial reach expanded, laying the groundwork for its global appeal. Now considered a cultural sensation by some, Labubu's current popularity-spike has often been accredited to an initial endorsement of the figurine by Blackpink star Lisa, whose social media posts about her own Labubus are said to have aided in the doll's trajectory into the mainstream. Other celebrities, like Kim Kardashian and Rihanna, only nurtured the hype, further facilitating social media buzz for the products. In the world of fashion, brands like Uniqlo, Pronounce and Pharrell's Joopiter bet on the doll through collaborations. Its upsurge also went hand-in-hand with a wider trend of handbag customisation, seen at recent fashion weeks. As such, Labubu can now most often be found hanging from the designer bags of their respective owners, making them the 'must-have' fashion accessory. Labubu's exclusivity has enticed trendsetters, and eventually their followers, many of whom are encouraged by the figurine's limited availability and collectible status. Pop Mart's fervour for Blind Boxes, the contents of which are unknown to buyers, further exasperates anticipation, reaffirming the intended premium status of the product. The Labubu-craze has escalated so much so that stores in regions like the UK and South Korea were forced to either halt or suspend in-store sales of the fluffy companions due to the outbreak of fights. In just a few short months, the shopping frenzy could see Pop Mart triple its half year revenue, while, according to a report by Forbes in May, the company's CEO, Wang Ning, became 1.6 billion dollars richer in a single day due to an influx in sales. An influx of lawsuits It is therefore no surprise that Pop Mart has set about battering down the hatches when it comes to protecting the IP of Labubu. The company has long initiated legal counters to companies that it alleges to have attempted to ride on the coattails of the elf's success, and such challenges have only risen as the popularity of the figurine skyrockets. Many such cases refer to claims of unauthorised sales, counterfeiting or IP infringement. Labubu takes over European fashion weeks. Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight Last month, courts in China ruled in favour of Pop Mart for two cases; one against an online platform accused of using the Labubu Sports Series without authorisation, another against merchants selling 3D-printed replicas of the products. More broadly, the region has also aided Pop Mart's attempts to protect its positioning. Recent reports have suggested that all Labubu figurines have been removed from Yiwu, a market once rife with counterfeit toys, while customs in Shanghai are said to have seized around 6,000 unauthorised Pop Mart products from cross-border shipments. Pop Mart's legal pursuits have not only been limited to China. The company has issued cease-and-desist orders against companies in Singapore and Taiwan, addressing cases related to everything from food products to influencer-related issues. Its attention has now also turned to the US, which has emerged as a leading market for Labubu. Here, sales were said to be up 5,000 percent in June compared to the year prior, according to estimates from research platform M Science, cited by the BBC. Pop Mart currently operates around 40 stores in the US, compared to 400 in China, the media outlet stated, while the resale market for the keychain accessory has simultaneously boomed. Labubu vs convenience stores The Labubu's prominence in the US as a cornerstone of the wider business only underlines the critical nature of Pop Mart's lawsuit against 7-Eleven. According to Pop Mart, the cited franchisees sold products that both closely resembled the official doll and were poor in quality, with manufacturing defects like faulty stitching and distorted heads noted within the complaint. Labubu's design is described by Pop Mart as a legally protectable trade dress, with its wide grin and pointed ears referenced as distinctive, recognisable traits that contribute to its brand identity. Images portraying the differences between the original and allegedly infringing products were shared as exhibits in the filing, as was video footage of a customer visiting a 7-Eleven store with the intent of purchasing a Labubu, only to find a poor quality alternative instead. With this in mind, Pop Mart has made claims in the realm of trademark, copyright and trade dress infringement, as well as unfair competition against 7-Eleven and the stated franchisees. The toy maker further accuses the convenience store chain of failing to exercise control over its Californian counterparts, several of which were said to be selling the alleged infringing products without interference from their parent company. Pop Mart therefore finds 7-Eleven liable for the infringing activity. In the lawsuit, Pop Mart said it was seeking monetary damages, a correction to advertising that is said to have harmed the brand and an injunction to halt future sales by the franchises of the counterfeit products. FashionUnited has contacted 7-Eleven with a request to comment.
NDTV
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
"Labubhook Laggi Hai?": Amul Joins The Labubu Doll Mania With Latest Topical
Amul has a knack for grabbing eyeballs with its cheeky takes on what is trending. Yes, you guessed it right. We are talking about Amul's creative topicals. From viral pop culture moments to major global news, their topicals always manage to steal headlines and hearts. No wonder fans wait for their next drop. The latest craze Amul's tapped into? Labubu dolls. These not-so-cute-looking collectibles are everywhere. You have probably seen Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, Rihanna, or Simone Biles posing with them. They are flying off the shelves. Now, Amul has jumped on the trend with its signature style. The new topical shows the iconic Amul girl sitting cross-legged, holding a buttered slice of bread. On a nearby stool sits a Labubu doll, and there is a round table with a butter block and knife. But what really makes it pop? The wordplay. The poster reads, 'Labubhook laggi hai?' at the top, and 'Eat doll-ops' at the bottom. Classic Amul. '#Amul Topical: Labubu dolls are all the craze,' read the caption with the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amul - The Taste of India (@amul_india) So, what is the deal with Labubu, you ask? It is part of a designer toy line called "The Monsters' by artist Kasing Lung. With its wild hair, pointy teeth and oddball expressions, Labubu has become a must-have for collectors. It is weird, it is cool, and totally viral. From limited drops to celeb shoutouts, it is the doll of the moment. Amul always knows how to jump in with a clever take on whatever's trending. Earlier this month, it was all about Prada. The famous Italian fashion house became the centre of online chatter when it showcased a pair of sandals that looked a lot like India's traditional Kolhapuri chappals. These were part of Prada's collection at the Paris Men's Fashion Week 2025 and caught people's attention for all the wrong reasons. Many online felt the brand had borrowed heavily from Indian culture without proper credit. Amul did not waste any time and released a new topical around the controversy. The artwork was split into two sides. On one side, a person – most likely a model – is seen wearing the much-talked-about Kolhapuri-style sandals. On the other side, there is an Indian man in a traditional turban, holding up the same kind of sandal in one hand and pointing at it with the other. Above them, the witty line reads, " Kolhapoori tarah se copy hai," a fun twist on the phrase 'Poori tarah se copy hai,' which means 'It's a complete copy.'
Edinburgh Reporter
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Warning over fake Labubu dolls
Fans of viral sensation Labubu dolls are being urged to count their teeth before buying in East Lothian after fake versions were found on sale in a number of outlets. Trading standards officers have seized imitation versions of the 'monster' doll across the county and warn the poorly made fakes are a choking hazard with hands and feet that easily break off, They are urging buyers to pay attention to the details of the Chinese doll which has become a viral sensation as a fashion accessory, especially its teeth with the original always having nine of them. Part of 'The Monsters' series by artist Kasing Lung and produced by Chinese toy company Pop Mart, Labubu is an elf-like character with pointy ears, big eyes and a toothy grin. Alexandra Connell, East Lothian Council's trading and licensing standards manager, said: 'The easiest way for consumers to tell a genuine from a fake product is to remember that the genuine product is designed as a collectible item yet the toys we are finding are usually made from poor quality materials and are not made to last. 'Many of the items seized have poor quality visible stitching and the dolls' hands or feet break off fairly easily. Also, the genuine doll has nine teeth. Some fake dolls do have nine teeth, however others have been found with differing numbers.' Anyone who has bought a doll and thinks it is fake or who comes across these dolls for sale and believes they are fake can report it to Advice Direct Scotland online or by calling 0808 1646000. By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Poorly-made fake Labubu dolls are choking hazard, warn East Lothian trading standards officers
Fans of viral sensation Labubu dolls are being urged to count their teeth before buying in East Lothian after fake versions were found on sale in a number of outlets. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Trading standards officers have seized imitation versions of the 'monster' doll across the county and warn the poorly made fakes are a choking hazard with hands and feet that easily break off, They are urging buyers to pay attention to the details of the Chinese doll which has become a viral sensation as a fashion accessory, especially its teeth with the original always having nine of them. Poorly-made fake Labubu dolls are choking hazard, say trading standards officers | LDR Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Part of 'The Monsters' series by artist Kasing Lung and produced by Chinese toy company Pop Mart, Labubu is an elf-like character with pointy ears, big eyes and a toothy grin. Alexandra Connell, East Lothian Council's trading and licensing standards manager, said: 'The easiest way for consumers to tell a genuine from a fake product is to remember that the genuine product is designed as a collectible item yet the toys we are finding are usually made from poor quality materials and are not made to last. 'Many of the items seized have poor quality visible stitching and the dolls' hands or feet break off fairly easily. Also, the genuine doll has nine fake dolls do have nine teeth, however others have been found with differing numbers.' Anyone who has bought a doll and thinks it is fake or who comes across these dolls for sale and believes they are fake can report it to Advice Direct Scotland online or by calling 0808 1646000.
Edinburgh Live
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
East Lothian Labubu doll fans told to 'count teeth' after fakes found on sale
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Fans of viral sensation Labubu dolls are being urged to count their teeth before buying in East Lothian after fake versions were found on sale in a number of outlets. Trading standards officers have seized imitation versions of the 'monster' doll across the county and warn the poorly made fakes are a choking hazard with hands and feet that easily break off, They are urging buyers to pay attention to the details of the Chinese doll which has become a viral sensation as a fashion accessory, especially its teeth with the original always having nine of them. Part of 'The Monsters' series by artist Kasing Lung and produced by Chinese toy company Pop Mart, Labubu is an elf-like character with pointy ears, big eyes and a toothy grin. Alexandra Connell, East Lothian Council's trading and licensing standards manager, said: 'The easiest way for consumers to tell a genuine from a fake product is to remember that the genuine product is designed as a collectible item yet the toys we are finding are usually made from poor quality materials and are not made to last. "Many of the items seized have poor quality visible stitching and the dolls' hands or feet break off fairly easily. Also, the genuine doll has nine teeth. Some fake dolls do have nine teeth, however others have been found with differing numbers.' Anyone who has bought a doll and thinks it is fake or who comes across these dolls for sale and believes they are fake can report it to Advice Direct Scotland online or by calling 0808 1646000.
