A group of artists recently filed a lawsuit against Chinese fast fashion company Shein, alleging the retailer used a secret algorithm to steal their designs without permission. Artists Krista Perry, Larissa Martinez and Jay Baron claim Shein violates federal RICO laws by identifying trending art with its algorithm and quickly reproducing knockoffs to sell on its website before the original artists can market their work.
The plaintiffs say Shein’s designs closely copy their art, implying the company’s merit largely comes from misappropriating others’ intellectual property without consent. While Shein says it respects IP rights, the artists argue exact copying is fundamental to Shein’s business model and “organizational DNA.”
This lawsuit highlights other alleged unethical practices by Shein including environmental damage, poor labor conditions, and violating child safety rules. The artists hope to positively impact the art community struggling against fast fashion giants stealing designs. Shein faces over 50 pending lawsuits for alleged intellectual property theft. The company denies the claims in this latest lawsuit are valid but won’t explain how its algorithms work.