Shein vs Temu Lawsuit

Shein and Temu, two of the biggest players in fast fashion, are now fighting on more than just price. The companies are caught in a series of lawsuits that stretch across the U.S. and Europe. Shein has filed cases accusing Temu of counterfeiting, stealing trade secrets, and even impersonating its brand online to attract customers. Temu has responded with its own lawsuits, claiming Shein pressures suppliers with intimidation tactics and uses its size to block fair competition. Both cases are ongoing, with proceedings also scheduled in London’s High Court.

While the lawsuits focus on intellectual property and competition, the legal fight is unfolding at the same time governments are starting to crack down on fast fashion itself. In 2025, France passed a landmark law aimed at companies like Shein and Temu. The law introduces eco-taxes on cheap clothing, beginning at €5 per item and set to rise in the coming years. It also bans fast fashion advertising, including influencer promotions, and requires clear environmental labelling on products.

The French government says the goal is to slow down the cycle of disposable clothing, which fuels overconsumption and waste. For brands like Shein and Temu, this means higher costs, fewer marketing options, and more pressure to be transparent about their production practices.

The Shein vs Temu lawsuit is not directly tied to France’s new law, but together they show how quickly the environment around fast fashion is changing. What was once a model built on speed and low prices is now facing challenges not just from competitors, but from regulators and lawmakers as well.