Shein Sued in UK for Alleged Shoe Design Copying
Shein, the global fast-fashion company, is facing legal action in the UK over allegations that it copied 45 shoe designs from a competitor. The claim was filed in London’s High Court on 9th February 2024 by footwear company Golden Wolfe Ltd and its parent company, Cutting Edge Ventures Ltd.
Allegations of Design Infringement
The plaintiffs allege that Shein Distribution UK Ltd has been selling shoes that closely resemble their own protected designs. According to the court filing in the Business and Property Courts of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales, Golden Wolfe and Cutting Edge contend that Shein’s footwear was "slavishly copied" from their creations, meaning the similarities are such that an observer could reasonably conclude the designs were directly derived.
"The infringing products have been slavishly copied from the designs, such that it is apparent to any person that their features have been copied from the designs and infringe the design rights in them," the claim states.
Golden Wolfe, a Hong Kong-based shoe designer, and Cutting Edge Ventures Ltd, a UK-based company, assert that Shein has violated their UK registered design rights as well as unregistered design rights, which are automatically protected under UK intellectual property law. The two allegedly copied registered designs in question are: GB6199425 and GB6199427
Image of registered design
The claimants further argue that Shein has breached copyright law, asserting that Shein's footwear designs reproduce the "whole or a substantial part" of their original shoe designs.
Golden Wolfe's Role in the Footwear Industry
Golden Wolfe is a key player in the footwear industry, specialising in designing and sourcing shoe styles that are later sold under various fashion brands and retailers' labels. Golden Wolfe and Cutting Edge Ventures also own the Naked Wolfe brand, a luxury footwear label known for its bold, chunky sneakers and boots, frequently worn by high-profile figures. Cutting Edge Ventures Ltd owns both Golden Wolfe and Naked Wolfe Ltd, with Golden Wolfe responsible for designing and manufacturing the Naked Wolfe footwear line. Given this corporate structure, the designs Shein allegedly copied are likely drawn from the Naked Wolfe collection, known for its distinctive and trend-driven aesthetic.
Shein’s Track Record with Intellectual Property Disputes
Shein’s rapid growth as a global fashion retailer has been accompanied by multiple intellectual property disputes. Over the years, independent designers and major brands alike have raised concerns regarding Shein’s approach to design replication.
Companies such as Deckers (maker of UGG boots) and Levi Strauss have previously taken legal action against Shein for copyright and trademark infringement, with many cases settling out of court. In 2021, AirWair International , the owner of Dr. Martens boots, filed a lawsuit against Shein and its sister site Romwe for allegedly selling imitation Dr. Martens footwear, reportedly using images of genuine products in marketing materials. That same year, Ralph Lauren initiated legal proceedings against Shein’s parent company, claiming that Shein had sold apparel featuring logos closely resembling its Polo Pony trademark.
Beyond litigation from well-known brands, independent designers and artists have also voiced concerns regarding similarities between their original work and products sold by Shein. These cases range from boutique fashion labels to independent artisans who have discovered strikingly similar versions of their designs on Shein’s platform. When such claims gain attention, Shein typically removes the disputed items and attributes the issue to third-party suppliers.
In a significant development in July 2023, a group of U.S. designers filed a lawsuit arguing that Shein’s alleged pattern of copyright infringement is extensive enough to constitute racketeering under the RICO Act . The claim suggests that Shein employs an "industrial-scale" algorithm to identify popular designs online and replicate them at speed without permission.
Implications of the Golden Wolfe Lawsuit
The case of Golden Wolfe vs. Shein contributes to broader discussions about the role of fast fashion in intellectual property disputes, Shein’s business model, and the accessibility of trend-driven designs. While Shein has gained popularity by providing affordable fashion, the company’s approach to intellectual property protection remains a subject of ongoing industry scrutiny.
The increased focus on Shein’s business practices—including its supply chain management and compliance with intellectual property laws—has become more pronounced. High-profile legal disputes such as this one have the potential to impact Shein’s reputation, particularly among regulators, investors, and prospective shareholders. This is particularly relevant as Shein progresses with its plans for an initial public offering (IPO).
The lawsuit, Golden Wolfe Ltd and Cutting Edge Ventures Ltd v Shein Distribution UK Ltd case, case number HP-2024-000004, is currently being heard in the Business and Property Courts of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales.