(Yicai) Jan. 17 -- Fast-fashion brand Uniqlo is suing Shein in Japan, accusing the Chinese online retailer of copying its highly popular round mini shoulder bag.

Uniqlo filed a lawsuit against Shein’s operators Roadget Business, Fashion Choice, and Shein Japan at the Tokyo District Court on Dec. 28, parent company Fast Retailing said on its website yesterday. Uniqlo is seeking an immediate halt to sales of the “imitation products” and compensation for damages, it added.

Shein has not yet responded to the allegation, according to The Paper.

Uniqlo is suing because it has determined that the form of the “imitation products” sold by Shein closely resembles that of its round mini shoulder bag and undermines the high level of customer confidence in the quality of the Uniqlo brand and its products, Fast Retailing said.

Fast Retailing takes a resolute stance against any act that infringes on its intellectual property and will take appropriate measures in response, including legal action, the Yamaguchi-based company pointed out.

The dumpling-shaped shoulder bag, priced at about JPY1,500 (USD10) each, is among Uniqlo’s best-sellers. 

Founded in 2008, Shein caters to overseas markets and has gained huge popularity recently for its fast-fashion business model, affordable prices, and wide range of trendy clothing and accessories. It has 250 million social media followers, and is equivalent in size to Spanish fashion retailer Zara and Sweden’s H&M.

The Singapore-based company launched the Shein x designer incubator program in Japan in December and plans to recruit 100 designers in the country before the end of this year. 

Editor: Martin Kadiev