Online fast-fashion platform Shein \u200caccused Temu of copyright infringement “on an industrial scale”, while Temu countered that Shein is using litigation to stifle competition, as a trial opened at London’s High Court on Monday. <\/p>\n
The case is part of a global legal battle between the fast-growing rivals, with potential implications for platform practices, supplier relationships and the enforcement of intellectual property rights across global e-commerce. <\/p>\n
Shein alleges Temu used thousands of its photos to advertise copies of Shein’s own-brand clothing \u200con its website, \u200cto “piggy-back” on a more established \u200ccompetitor, Reuters said. <\/p>\n
“This \u2060was an attempt \u2060to steal a march on an existing participant in the market and Temu has sought to obtain, we say, an unfair advantage,” Shein’s lawyer Benet Brandreth said. <\/p>\n
Temu denies the allegations. <\/p>\n
TEMU COUNTER-CLAIM OVER REMOVED PRODUCTS <\/p>\n
Brandreth told the court Temu has dropped its defense to Shein’s \u2060copyright claims over nearly 2,300 photos taken \u200cby Shein employees, likening it \u200cto “the defendant waiting to see if the witnesses will turn \u200cup, only to plead guilty”. <\/p>\n
Temu \u2013 owned by PDD \u200cHoldings \u2013 has counter-claimed, seeking damages after it had to remove thousands of product listings when Shein obtained an injunction. <\/p>\n
It also alleges Shein broke competition law by tying fast-fashion suppliers to \u200cexclusive agreements. That part of the case is due to go to trial next \u2060year. <\/p>\n
Temu’s lawyers \u2060argue Shein’s lawsuit is not a legitimate attempt to stop copyright infringement, but is designed to secure a competitive advantage. <\/p>\n
The two-week London trial is the latest legal battle between the two rivals, which have also sued each other in the US, and comes amid intensifying regulatory scrutiny. <\/p>\n
Shein and Temu have expanded rapidly in international markets with low-cost clothing, accessories and gadgets. But the removal of a US customs exemption on low-value e-commerce parcels last year \u2013 with the European Union set to follow in July \u2013 could weigh on growth. <\/p><\/p>\n