Is Labubu Copyrighted on Etsy?
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This post is about "Is Labubu Copyrighted on Etsy?" What Sellers Need to Know Before Listing.
If you’ve been browsing Etsy lately, you’ve probably seen adorable handmade figures, charms, or stickers inspired by Labubu. But with POP MART’s collectibles gaining global fame, one big question keeps coming up: Is Labubu copyrighted on Etsy?
Yes, Labubu is copyrighted and trademarked by POP MART. Learn what this means for Etsy sellers, what’s allowed, and how to create inspired art legally.
Here’s a breakdown of what every Etsy seller (and collector) should know before listing or buying Labubu-themed items.
What Is Labubu?
Labubu is a mischievous little creature from The Monsters series — created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and produced by POP MART, a company known for its blind-box designer toys. Each Labubu figure has a distinct, quirky look that has captured the hearts of fans across Asia, Europe, and the U.S.
Because of this popularity, many artists on Etsy have started creating Labubu-inspired crafts, from keychains to digital art. But not all of these listings are legal under copyright and trademark law.
Understanding Copyright and Trademark Protection
To understand the risks, it helps to know how intellectual property (IP) works:
Copyright protects creative works such as illustrations, sculptures, and designs.
Trademarks protect brand identifiers like names, logos, and slogans.
In short:
The Labubu character design is covered by copyright.
The Labubu name and The Monsters brand are covered by trademark.
That means POP MART and Kasing Lung hold exclusive rights to make, distribute, and profit from Labubu’s image and brand name.
Is Labubu Copyrighted or Trademarked?
Yes — Labubu is both copyrighted and trademarked.
POP MART has filed trademark applications for LABUBU and THE MONSTERS in multiple countries, covering goods like toys, keychains, and collectible figures. In addition, the artwork and sculptural design of the Labubu character are protected under copyright law as original creative works.
This means any unlicensed reproduction — whether 3D printed, hand-sculpted, or printed on stickers — could violate POP MART’s IP rights.
Selling Labubu Items on Etsy: What’s Allowed and What’s Not
Here’s where Etsy sellers often run into trouble. If you list an item that directly copies Labubu’s design or uses the word “Labubu” in your title or tags, Etsy’s automated systems or POP MART’s IP team could flag it for infringement.
Not Allowed:
Replicas or lookalikes of Labubu figures
Stickers, prints, or charms using the actual Labubu design
Titles or descriptions including “Labubu,” “POP MART,” or “The Monsters”
Sometimes Allowed (with caution):
Inspired-by designs that are original and don’t copy Labubu’s face, shape, or name
Parody or transformative art that clearly comments on or satirizes the original (though this is legally gray)
Using general descriptors like “cute monster toy” instead of “Labubu”
Etsy’s Intellectual Property Policy states that sellers are responsible for ensuring their listings don’t infringe on copyrights or trademarks — and Etsy often removes listings without warning if a brand submits a complaint.
What Happens If You Sell Copyrighted Labubu Items
If you sell Labubu products without permission, here’s what could happen:
Your listing may be taken down after a POP MART or user report
You could receive a copyright or trademark strike from Etsy
Repeated strikes can lead to account suspension or permanent removal
In rare cases, rights holders can send legal cease and desist letters or pursue monetary damages
Even if you’re a small seller, these risks are real — POP MART actively protects its brand, and Etsy cooperates with takedown requests.
How to Create Labubu-Inspired Art Legally
If you love Labubu’s style, you don’t have to give up your creativity — you just have to keep it original.
Here are a few tips:
Design your own character — something inspired by the cute and spooky aesthetic but clearly different from Labubu.
Avoid using the name “Labubu” or other POP MART trademarks in your titles, tags, or descriptions.
Embrace your own style — make your art unique enough to stand on its own.
Consider licensing if you want to sell officially branded products. POP MART occasionally collaborates with artists and designers.
Remember: inspiration is fine — imitation isn’t.
Final Thoughts
So, is Labubu copyrighted on Etsy? Absolutely. Both the Labubu name and design are protected by intellectual property laws, and Etsy enforces those protections strictly.
If you’re selling on Etsy, always double-check whether a character or brand you’re referencing is copyrighted or trademarked. It’s better to build your own original creations than risk takedowns or legal trouble.
Bottom line: Celebrate Labubu’s charm — but keep your shop compliant and creative.
Related Resources
Etsy Intellectual Property Policy
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Labubu copyrighted on Etsy?
Yes. Labubu is a copyrighted and trademarked character owned by POP MART and artist Kasing Lung. Selling items that copy the Labubu design or use its name without permission can violate Etsy’s intellectual property rules.
2. Can I sell Labubu fan art on Etsy?
It depends. If your artwork is clearly transformative and doesn’t directly copy the Labubu character or use the name, it might be allowed. However, Etsy can still remove listings if POP MART files a complaint, even for fan art.
3. What happens if my Labubu listings are removed?
If your listing is reported for copyright or trademark infringement, Etsy may remove it and send you a notice. Multiple removals or repeated violations can lead to account suspension or permanent closure.
4. Can I use the word “Labubu” in my product titles or tags?
Only if you have a license from the company. Using “Labubu” in your listings can trigger trademark issues because the name itself is protected. Instead, use general terms like “cute monster toy” or “fantasy collectible figure.”
5. How can I make Labubu-inspired art legally?
Focus on creating original characters that are inspired by Labubu’s aesthetic but do not copy the design or use its name. Avoid direct references, and make sure your work stands on its own creatively.
6. Does Etsy allow fan art in general?
Etsy allows fan art only if it doesn’t infringe on a brand’s copyrights or trademarks. Since many large companies actively enforce their rights, fan art listings can still be removed at the brand’s request.
7. Can I get permission to sell Labubu products?
Yes, but you would need a license or authorization from POP MART. Without an official license, any sale of Labubu-branded items is considered unlicensed and could be taken down.
8. How can I check if something is copyrighted or trademarked?
You can search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database for registered trademarks or use the Copyright Office’s public catalog. POP MART’s marks, including “Labubu” and “The Monsters,” are publicly listed.
This post was about "Is Labubu Copyrighted on Etsy?" What Sellers Need to Know Before Listing.
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To schedule an appointment with experienced trademark attorney Melissa Ramnauth, please visit our booking page here, where you can select a convenient time. Alternatively, you can call our office at (754) 800-4481. We look forward to assisting you!
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