Online fast-fashion retailer Shein has initiated a new lawsuit against competitor Temu, accusing the China-based platform of design theft, copying product images, and other fraudulent activities.
Filed in a Washington federal court, the complaint alleges that Temu, which has gained traction in the U.S., has reduced its prices by promoting counterfeit goods and stolen designs.
Shein is currently facing lawsuits from various brands and designers who claim that Shein has copied their designs and sold imitation items on its site.
In response to the lawsuit, a Temu spokesperson criticized Shein, stating that the company’s accusations are hypocritical given its own legal troubles related to intellectual property theft.
This lawsuit marks an escalation in the ongoing legal battle between the two companies.
Previous legal actions included Temu accusing Shein of unfairly pressuring clothing manufacturers to prevent them from collaborating with Temu, while Shein alleged Temu misled consumers by creating fake social media accounts to redirect them to Temu’s platform.
Temu’s recent lawsuit also includes claims that Shein’s employees stole trade secrets related to best-selling products and pricing. The lawsuit accuses Temu of misrepresenting itself as Shein through fake social media accounts and sponsored Google ads.
