UNIQLO Sues Shein For Ripping Off Its Famous Shoulder Bag

Images 141353538 © Chingyunsong | Dreamstime.com and UNIQLO

UNIQLO has taken legal action against Shein in a different kind of fashion faux pas. The lawsuit, filed by the Japanese retailer’s parent company, Fast Retailing, in Tokyo, Japan, accuses the Chinese fast-fashion e-commerce giant of replicating its popular round mini shoulder bag.

UNIQLO’s crescent-shaped crossbody bag has bagged global acclaim for its affordability, lightweight design, and versatility. It became a viral sensation on TikTok, where users participated in a “UNIQLO bag challenge” to showcase how much they could fit into the bag.

Priced at ¥1,500 (around US$10) in Japan and US$19.90 in the US, the accessory’s water-repellent feature and range of colors have made it particularly appealing to young consumers and speaks to their need for personal expression. Its popularity even earned it a spot on the much-revered Lyst Index as the “Hottest Fashion Product” in Q1 last year, a list usually reserved for luxury items.

A quick search by DesignTAXI found that a nearly identical “Crossbody Dumpling & Crescent Moon Shaped Bag” is retailing on the Shein website for just US$5.60.

UNIQLO’s Round Shoulder Mini Bag (above) VS Shein’s version (below). Images via UNIQLO and Shein

Another style, resembling UNIQLO’s corduroy round shoulder mini bags, is priced at US$5.50.

UNIQLO’s Round Shoulder Mini Bag (left) VS Shein’s version (right). Images via UNIQLO and Shein

These items are listed on Shein as “marketplace” products, suggesting that they come from a third party.

Fast Retailing’s lawsuit alleges that these copycats could damage its reputation for quality, and it shares in a statement 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.”

In response, Shein tells CBS Moneywatch that it asserts its respect for intellectual property rights and its commitment to taking infringement claims seriously, adding that it is currently investigating the matter.

This legal battle is not an isolated incident for Shein, which is frequently in the news for not-so-savory reasons. It’s been repeatedly called out for allegedly copying designs from other brands and independent designers, ranging from specific clothing items to entire collections. The site has also faced scrutiny over its labor practices, particularly concerning working conditions, wages, and hours in its supply chain factories. Moreover, Shein has been chastised for cultural insensitivity and appropriation, having listed products where sacred symbols or patterns were used in a manner deemed less respectful.

As a prominent player in the fast-fashion industry, Shein—and the like—has been criticized for its environmental impact, including overproduction, waste, and pollution.

As of the time of writing, Shein’s lookalike bags are still available for purchase.

[via The Straits Times, Reuters, CBS News, images via various sources]