Uniqlo says Shein ripped off ‘Mary Poppins’ bag
Bag has earned devoted following online after being compared to magical accessory carried by iconic Disney character | Suit is the latest to hit the fashion giant following a swathe of infringement complaints.
Uniqlo has hit Shein and two of its subsidiaries with a trademark infringement suit over claims that the Singapore-based fast fashion company copied its best-selling ‘Mary Poppins’ shoulder bag.
The Japanese retailer argued in a petition filed at a Tokyo district court that the disputed Shein bags “closely resemble” Uniqlo's crossbody bag, and could severely damage its reputation.
A viral hit
Uniqlo's cross-body bag has garnered mass attention online, even prompting TikTok users to compete to see how many items they can fit in it.
For example, TikToker Caitlin Phillimore went viral after she managed to cram the bag with a tin of Vaseline, a packet of Viennese biscuits, her purse, keys, a phone charger, hair clip, a pair of over ear headphones, a camera, a bottle of perfume and an epipen.
The bag earned its moniker after being frequently compared to the one carried by the character Mary Poppins, who was played by Julie Andrews in an oscar-winning performance.
During the course of the 1964 film, the beloved Disney heroine manages to produce both a hat stand and lampshade from her magical bag.
The petition against Shein demands the immediate cessation of sales of the imitation products, and compensation for damages incurred by Uniqlo as a result of these sales.
Owned by Fast Retailing, Uniqlo operates 2,491 stores in 26 markets around the world, and has carved a market-leading position in the manufacture and sale of high-quality casual wear.
The ‘Mary Poppins’ nylon ‘round mini shoulder bag’ costs £14.90 in the UK and has gone on to become one of Uniquo’s bestsellers.
In its complaint, Uniqlo argues that the sale of the alleged replica products by Shein significantly undermines the high level of customer confidence in the quality of the brand and its products.
In its latest financial update, Uniqlo reported profits of 146.7 billion yen ($993 million) between September and November 2023, according to a report by the BBC.
Stream of lawsuits
Founded in 2008 by Chris Xu, Shein has also evolved into a multi-billion dollar brand on the back of selling cheap and trending clothes to consumers predominantly aged under 30.
However, Uniquo’s suit is just the latest levelled at the company following a stream of complaints that accuse the fast fashion firm of infringement.
In 2021, Dr Marten’s AirWair International sued Shein alleging trademark infringement and a year later, streetwear designer Stussy claimed that the company had infringed the brand’s graffiti-style trademarks
In July 2023, a group of graphic designers sued Shein for “an allegedly rampant pattern” of copyright and trademark infringement of not only their designs, but potentially tens of thousands more.
A few months later, in December, WhaleCo (operating as Temu in the US) accused Shein of mafia-style intimidation in its alleged attempts to monopolise the US marketplace.
Did you enjoy reading this story? Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories sent like this straight to your inbox
