Labubu vs. Lafufu: Pop Mart’s Battle for IP Protection and the Tech Behind Authenticity Verification
By: Anneliese McInnis
Labubus, the grinning, wide-eyed plush dolls, have grown exponentially in popularity among young Americans, capturing their hearts and wallets. The collectible doll generally retails for $20 to $30, but rarer figures sell for thousands; the most expensive Labubu sold for $150,000 at an auction in Beijing.[1] Pop Mart has capitalized on their popularity by introducing the viral “blind-box” model that fuels suspense in customers eager to find out which Labubu doll they will unwrap.[2] This unique model, however, has made the company susceptible to counterfeit products on the market copying the plush dolls’ distinct features.[3]