Uniqlo is suing Shein, alleging that the Chinese fast-fashion giant is selling imitations of its popular "Mary Poppins" shoulder bag.
The lawsuit, which was filed in Tokyo, claims that some Shein bags "closely resemble" Uniqlo's design and could pose a threat to customer confidence in the brand.
Uniqlo, which is owned by Fast Retailing, is seeking an immediate halt to the sale of Shein's version of the bag and demanding compensation for damages.
The viral success of Uniqlo's cross-body bag came after TikTok users were surprised by its spaciousness, with some viewers likening it to Mary Poppins' magical carpet bag.
It has become Uniqlo's best-selling bag and is priced at £14.90 in the UK.
The viral bag in question Source: Cosmopolitan
Shein, which is mulling an IPO for the near future, has come under criticism for its low prices, raising concerns about its environmental impact and employment practices.
The company contends that it produces clothes in small batches, minimising waste, and emphasises its zero-tolerance policy on forced labour.
Shein has also faced allegations from smaller business owners who claim their products were copied by the fashion giant, however, it asserts that "respects designers and artists, and the intellectual property rights of others".
In a recent financial update, Fast Retailing reported profits of £791 million in the three months ending November, up on the £662 million in the previous year.
In 2024, the company is forecasting a record profit, though weather and climate change concerns pose potential challenges for certain product lines, such as fleece jackets.