We’ve all heard of Labubu.
The little doll, fashioned as a little furry elf with sharp teeth and looks a little like a tiny werewolf, is a part of the Monsters story series, which has a cast of 10 characters including Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, Pato and Labubu.
They were created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, who signed a licence agreement with Chinese pop-culture and entertainment company Pop Mart to use their likeness in collectibles.
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You can watch this video to know more about them:
The characters, especially Labubu, skyrocketed in popularity when Lisa of K-pop girl group Blackpink posted photos of herself with Labubu toys earlier this year.
Since then, Labubu doll sales are on the rise and retailers are jumping on the bandwagon, creating promotions to hype up their own products with the elf dolls.
However Pop Mart will now be taking action against unauthorised usage of the characters.
This includes promotions using Labubu’s likeness without licensing done by other brands in Singapore, according to a post made by Pop Mart on their official Facebook account.
Two brands named by Pop Mart having done so include bubble tea store PlayMade and clothing retailer Recoil.
“Currently, Pop Mart does not have any official licensed partners in Singapore,” the company stated.
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“We are actively pursuing legal action to protect our brand, artists’ works and our fans from these infringements.”
Pop Mart is unable to guarantee the authenticity or quality of the products distributed by other brands, the company added.
The public is advised to report any unauthorised use of their brand to Pop Mart’s customer service.
No Labubu For You, Boo
The scrutiny is also placed on restaurants making Labubu-shaped treats.
Kevin Zhang, Pop Mart International’s Head of Strategic Partnership, confirmed that no Singapore vendors have received permission to sell food products shaped like Labubu. He stated that unauthorized IP usage damages potential partnerships with legitimate licensees.
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Ji Xiang confectionery chain sold Labubu-shaped ang ku kueh from September 2024. They ceased production on November 18 after learning about potential legal action. Co-owner Kelvin Toh will refund pre-orders and plans to discuss licensing with Pop Mart.
Peony Jade restaurant created dark chocolate bao shaped like Zimomo, The Monsters’ leader. They priced these at $19.50 for three pieces and planned sales until mid-January.
The restaurant stopped taking pre-orders on November 18, the same evening as the launch. They cancelled existing orders and issued refunds to customers.
General Manager Robert Han acknowledged their oversight in not obtaining proper licensing for The Monsters character. The restaurant has removed related social media posts about the product.
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