Shein Accuses Temu of Industrial-Scale Copyright Theft
May 11, 2026 – 3:45 pm
Shein takes Temu to London’s High Court over “industrial-scale” copyright theft
A two-week trial opened on Monday at London’s High Court. Shein’s complaint covers around 2,300 product images. Temu has abandoned its defense of these images and is countering with anti-competition claims.
Shein accused Temu of copyright infringement "on an industrial scale" as the two-week trial opened on Monday. Shein’s barrister, Benet Brandreth, argued that Temu used thousands of product photographs created by Shein employees to advertise look-alike clothing on its website.
"This was an attempt to steal a march on an existing participant in the market and Temu has sought to obtain, we say, an unfair advantage," said Brandreth.
The case is part of a broader dispute between the two Chinese-founded platforms, which have also sued each other in the US, EU, and Singapore. PDD Holdings, Temu’s parent company, is listed on Nasdaq. Shein is preparing for a public listing, with venues shifting between Hong Kong and London due to regulatory pressure.
Temu’s counter-claim alleges that Shein engages in anti-competitive practices by locking suppliers into exclusive manufacturing agreements. The proceedings are being closely watched by competition regulators in Brussels, Washington, and London, as well as by both companies’ bankers ahead of Shein’s listing process.
The judge has scheduled two weeks for evidence; a ruling is unlikely before late summer.