A Shein bag, pictured on the left, is alleged to be a inferior copy of a more expensive version from Uniqlo, on the right. (Screenshot/Shein, Screenshot/Uniqlo)
Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo has filed a lawsuit against rival Shein, accusing the Singapore-based retailer of producing an unauthorized replica of its popular "Mary Poppins bag." The legal action, initiated on December 28 in Tokyo District Court by Uniqlo's operator, Fast Retailing Co., demands over $1.1 million US in damages.
Uniqlo alleges that Shein's product, resembling Uniqlo's Round Mini Shoulder Bag, infringes on its copyright and diminishes customer confidence in the Uniqlo brand. The iconic Uniqlo bag, celebrated on platforms like TikTok, is known for its spacious yet lightweight and compact design, earning it the endearing moniker "Mary Poppins bag" after the magical carpet bag in the 1964 musical.
Despite the legal proceedings, Shein, headquartered in Singapore and originally founded in China, has not provided an immediate response to the Associated Press's request for comment.
Uniqlo's legal pursuit specifically targets the three companies operating Shein—Roadget Business Pte, Fashion Choice Pte, and Shein Japan Co. In addition to seeking the halt of Shein's product sales, Uniqlo is seeking damages for the alleged copyright violation and the perceived negative impact on its brand reputation.
The Uniqlo bag, featuring inner pockets and touted as durable and water-resistant, is priced at 1,500 yen in Japan and $24.90 in Canada, available in various colors including light blue and violet. Uniqlo, with a global presence of nearly 2,500 stores across 26 markets, is renowned for its affordable casual clothing, including popular items like HeatTech thermal underwear.
As the legal battle unfolds, Uniqlo aims to protect its brand integrity and reinforce the uniqueness of its products in the competitive retail landscape.
