ARTICLE · 08 SEPTEMBER 2025

Labubu vs. Counterfeiters: When Collectibles Meet IP Law

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Whether you are a serious collector or just charmed by the "ugly-cute" craze, the world of Labubu toys has exploded into a global market phenomenon.

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Bernard Dippenaar

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Whether you are a serious collector or just charmed by the "ugly-cute" craze, the world of Labubu toys has exploded into a global market phenomenon. But with great popularity comes a wave of counterfeits and a serious test of Intellectual Property enforcement.

Background

Labubu dolls, designed by Dutch-Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and produced by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, have become a viral sensation. Monthly sales are reported to be in the millions, fuelled by influencer culture and long queues at Pop Mart stores worldwide. But this soaring demand has also triggered an avalanche of fakes flooding markets across Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Which types of IP are in play?

Pop Mart's strategy relies on a portfolio approach to IP protection:

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