Uniqlo is suing super-fast fashion retailer Shein for allegedly knocking off its viral Round Mini Shoulder Bag.
On December 28, Uniqlo filed a lawsuit against Shein “regarding the sale of products that copy the form of the Company's Round Mini Shoulder Bag." The bag, a versatile nylon half-moon-shaped shoulder bag, became a global viral hit and has since become a bestseller for the brand. It comes in a variety of colors and retails for an accessible $19.90. The bag has become so popular — and so widely copied — that Uniqlo even issued an official statement about counterfeiting on its website. “We are currently investigating these products and, in cases where they are confirmed to be counterfeit or imitations produced with malicious intent, we will consider taking legal action against the companies manufacturing and selling them,” Uniqlo shared.
Uniqlo claims Shein's bag, the Solid Color Single Shoulder & Crossbody Dumpling & Crescent Moon Shaped Bag, looks very similar to its original design. Shein's bag retails for less than $8, depending on promotions.
“The Company filed this complaint because it has determined that the form of the imitation products sold by Shein closely resembles that of its own product, and that the sale of the imitation products by Shein significantly undermines the high level of customer confidence in the quality of the Uniqlo brand and its products,” Uniqlo's parent company, Fast Retailing, said in a statement regarding the lawsuit.
"Shein respects the intellectual property rights of others and takes all claims of infringement seriously. We are currently investigating this matter," a spokesperson for the brand told Teen Vogue over email when asked about the situation.
