Pop Mart plans to take legal action against unauthorised use of Labubu characters

Pop Mart plans to take legal action against the unauthorised use of its Labubu characters by other brands in their products or to promote their own merchandise.

Pop Mart, a Chinese pop culture and entertainment company focusing on intellectual property (IP) management, handles the IP for "Labubu and The Monsters", a story series created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung.

Unauthorised use of Labubu images

In a Facebook post, Pop Mart said the company discovered instances of unauthorised use of Labubu images by certain brands, including Recoil and Playmade, to promote their products, or use Labubu figurines as promotional items.

It stressed that Pop Mart does not "any official licensed partners in Singapore".

"Therefore, any use of our brand image or IP likeness for promotions or appearances in this region is unauthorised," it said.

Pop Mart encouraged the public to report any unauthorised use of its brand to report them immediately through the company's official customer service channels.

"Your support plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of Pop Mart, and we are fully committed to taking all necessary measures to defend our brand and community," it added.

Labubu shirts, kueh

A search online showed that Recoil, a men's clothing shop, has been selling Labubu-themed shirts for about S$40 to S$46.

Playmade, a beverage business, also previously offered a chance to win a set of Labubu Mystery Boxes with a minimum spending of S$10 on a single receipt.

Ji Xiang Bakery in Bugis previously offered Labubu ang ku kueh, but stopped production on Nov. 18 when approached by The Straits Times.

Speaking to ST, Ji Xiang co-owner Kelvin Toh said the confectionery will refund customers who have paid for pre-ordered Labubu kueh.

“I am relieved that we can stop making the custom kueh because it is a lot of work. It was more for marketing purposes and publicity, and not for revenue," Toh said.

But Toh said he planned to reach out to Pop Mart about collaborating and will inquire about licensing.

"We are hurting our future brand partners"

Pop Mart's head of strategic partnership Kevin Zhang told ST that the company is aware of food vendors selling products made in the likeness of Labubu in Singapore.

He stressed that none of these food vendors have any authority to do so.

“If we do not take action, we are hurting our future brand partners," Zhang said.

"For example, if a restaurant chain is willing to pay a licensing fee to use the characters, such illegal and unauthorised use of the IP rights will hurt the brands that want to work with Pop Mart in a proper way.”

Top image via Pop Mart Singapore/ Mothership