LONDON: Online fast-fashion platforms Shein and Temu are preparing for a 2026 trial in the High Court in London, as rivals trade allegations of copyright infringement and anti-competitive behavior in competing lawsuits.
Shein filed a lawsuit against Temu in Britain last year, accusing Whaleco UK Limited – which owns Temu, PDD Holdings – of copyright infringement regarding images of some products available on the Temu platform.
Timo countersued in February, accusing Shein of breaching British competition law by tying suppliers of fast-fashion products into exclusive agreements, an allegation worth an estimated £4.2 million ($5.5 million) which Shein denies.
Sheen “floods Timo with unwarranted copyright infringement notices, disrupting the sale of products,” Timo’s lawyers said in court documents for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday.
Their cases are expected to come before the High Court in London by the end of 2026, Sheen’s lawyers said in court documents.
The lawsuit in London is one of the stages of a global legal battle between the two opponents. Timo filed a lawsuit against Sheen in the US in December, and Sheen filed her own lawsuit against Sheen in August.
Both Shein and Temu have rapidly expanded into international markets with low-cost apparel, accessories and gadgets, although they have come under increasing scrutiny.
Sheen has faced questions about its treatment of workers and environmental record, especially ahead of a potential listing in London. It has previously said it is committed to respecting human rights and has a zero-tolerance policy toward forced labor.
Meanwhile, Temu faces an investigation from the European Commission over whether it has violated rules aimed at preventing the sale of illegal products. Temu said it would cooperate with regulators.