How to report a copyright infringement on Shein

Last updated on: April 23, 2024

Shein’s ascent in the world of fashion Ecommerce has been meteoric. But with it has come a slew of legal challenges that highlight a growing concern among brands and designers: large-scale copyright infringement. 

This issue not only threatens creativity but also impacts the revenue and brand integrity of smaller or independent labels. With recent lawsuits making headlines, the urgency for a solution to Shein’s infringements has never been clearer. This is why it’s so important for brands to understand the true depths of the issue of copyright infringement within the fashion industry. In this article we will guide you through how to recognize, report, and resolve these issues, so you’ll know how to act swiftly against Shein copyright infringements should you ever need to. 

What is Shein?

Shein is a powerhouse in the fast fashion landscape, making waves since its launch in 2008. Starting as a small drop-shipping business similar to AliExpress, it quickly morphed into an international phenomenon, serving fashion-conscious consumers across the globe. 

Today, Shein’s platform stands out not just as a retail brand but also as a marketplace. It sells an extensive collection of affordable, stylish clothing and accessories. However, its rapid rise is attributed to a unique blend of cutting-edge technology, savvy social media strategies, and an ability to quickly adapt to consumer trends. Combined, these elements have turned Shein into one of the most popular fast fashion brands on the internet with more than 500 million annual visitors to its Ecommerce site.

Why is Shein facing copyright infringement lawsuits?

Shein’s path to becoming a fashion behemoth hasn’t been without its hitches. Recently, the brand found itself in hot water thanks to a series of copyright infringement and racketeering lawsuits. Allegations have come from independent designers including Krista Perry, Larissa Martinez, and Jay Baron, as well as a high-profile case filed by Swedish fashion giant H&M. 

Perry accuses Shein of replicating her “Make it Fun” graphic, Baron alleges the theft of his “Hello, I’m Trying My Best” patch, and Martinez claims her orange daisy overalls design was copied by Shein. These specific examples highlight the broader pattern of Shein’s alleged infringements under the RICO Act. 

Shein’s infringements of this kind aren’t just a problem because the company is not the original owner of the work. Copying designs also causes significant harm to the reputations of the original creators. It devalues their work, decreases their revenue, and can impact their brand loyalty. 

H&M’s lawsuit against Shein for copying its designs further highlights the scale of Shein’s legal challenges. H&M seeks an injunction to stop Shein’s alleged copyright/trademark infringements and compensatory damages, with both Zoetop Business Co and Shein Group Ltd named as defendants. 

These lawsuits shed light on the complexities of copyright law in fashion and the serious implications of Shein’s business practices. Despite these issues, Shein states that it takes infringement claims seriously and aims for quick resolutions.

How does Shein’s design algorithm work?

Allegations have surfaced that suggest Shein uses a secretive algorithm that’s designed to scour the internet, identifying trending designs and motifs. In simple terms, its strategy is to stay at the forefront of fashion trends using a blend of technology and market sensing. 

Once potentially popular designs are identified, Shein allegedly produces them in small quantities to gauge market response. This “test-and-learn” approach allows them to minimize risks while maximizing the potential for viral trends. 

This methodology, while innovative, has sparked significant backlash. Independent creators and small brands find themselves in a David vs. Goliath situation where their original designs are overshadowed by the vast reach of a global retailer. 

For these creators, the impact goes beyond financial loss; it’s a blow to the integrity of their creative expression. When a design is replicated without consent, it dilutes the value of the original work and makes it harder for artists to stand out and succeed in an already crowded marketplace.

So, while Shein’s approach may cater to consumer demand for fresh, on-trend clothing, it raises critical questions about fairness, ethical practices, and the sustainability of creative industries.

How to report Shein copyright infringement

Taking action against copyright infringement is crucial for brands to safeguard their intellectual property and maintain the integrity of the creative industry. If you think your copyrights are being infringed upon by Shein or any other company, it’s important to move swiftly to report the infringement. 

Taking these steps not only helps in protecting your work but also contributes to a more ethical and sustainable creative industry. Here’s how to do it:

1. Gather evidence: Compile all relevant information and documentation that proves the originality of your design and the unauthorized uses of that design by Shein. This includes screenshots of the infringing items, dates of the original creation, and any registration numbers if applicable.
2. Submit a complaint: Visit Shein’s official website and navigate to their copyright infringement report page. To submit a complaint, you’ll need to visit Shein’s online intellectual property portal and fill out a form detailing your claim, providing evidence, and asserting your ownership over the content.

Note

3. Follow up: After submitting your claim, monitor the situation. Shein should review your submission and respond. If the infringing items are not removed, or if you do not receive a satisfactory response, consider escalating the matter by seeking legal advice.

Why choose advanced tools for brand protection on Shein?

Detecting and reporting each infringement individually can be overwhelming and complex. In fact, manually checking a website that lists thousands of products every day is nearly impossible. This is where Red Points’ Brand Protection Solution steps in. Our technology offers an advanced, comprehensive approach to safeguarding your brand on platforms like Shein. 

Here’s why it’s essential:

• Automated monitoring uses cutting-edge technology to continuously scan Shein and other platforms for potential infringements, which saves you time and resources.
• Advanced algorithms ensure high accuracy in detecting infringements, reducing false positives, and allowing for faster action to be taken.
• Comprehensive protection goes beyond just detection. Red Points manages the whole enforcement process, from issuing takedown notices to following up on unresolved cases, ensuring a thorough resolution.
• Gain valuable insights into infringement patterns and potential vulnerabilities in your brand protection strategy, so you can make informed decisions and improvements.

What’s next

In today’s fashion industry, where trends change faster than ever before, protecting your brand’s integrity and creative output is not just important – it’s essential. And as the digital marketplace expands, so does the potential for copyright infringement. This means that proactive brand protection should be a critical part of your strategy. Because it’s not just about safeguarding designs; it’s about preserving the trust and loyalty you’ve built with your audience.

Choosing Red Points means enhancing your brand’s integrity and trustworthiness in a competitive landscape at the same time as defending your intellectual property. So you can focus on creativity and innovation and leave the complexities of copyright protection to us.

Red Points’ Brand Protection Solution can help you stay ahead of potential infringements with our continuous, automated scanning technology. You’ll save valuable time with streamlined processes for identifying and addressing infringements, and be able to make informed strategic decisions thanks to detailed data insights 
Ready to see how Red Points can revolutionize your brand protection strategy? Request a demo today, and take the first step towards securing your future in the world of ecommerce.