Labubu 3D Printing Lawsuit: Why POP MART's Copyright Win Matters to Every 3D Printing Service
· general
> Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. For questions about intellectual property law, copyright, or licensing, consult a qualified legal professional in your jurisdiction.
In late 2024, POP MART successfully pursued a copyright infringement case in China against a seller who 3D printed and sold unauthorized Labubu figures. The court ruled that both the seller and the printing service were liable, awarding damages of approximately RMB 10,000 (about USD 1,380).
While the damages in that specific case were relatively small, the legal precedent is significant for the 3D printing industry. The environment is also escalating quickly: as of March 2026, POP MART has filed a new lawsuit against Bambu Lab over Labubu character files shared on its MakerWorld platform, shifting the focus from individual sellers to the platforms themselves.
If you run a 3D printing service or sell printed figures, these cases directly affect you.
What Happened in the 2024 POP MART vs. Labubu Case
A Taobao seller was 3D printing and selling Labubu designer toy figures without POP MART's authorization. Key facts:
The seller did not design the 3D model — it was sourced from an online marketplace.
The seller argued they were "just a printing service" executing a customer's file.
The court rejected this defense, ruling the seller was a co-infringer.
This explicitly holds a 3D printing service liable for copyright infringement — even when the service didn't create the infringing design.
Why This Matters to 3D Printing Services in Malaysia
Many printing services operate under the assumption that "the customer owns the file, so it's their responsibility." These recent cases prove that assumption carries significant legal risk.
Characters Under Active IP Enforcement
Printing any of these for commercial sale — even from a "free" STL file — exposes you to legal action.
How to Protect Your 3D Printing Business
1. Refuse prints of recognizable IP — If it looks like a known character, don't print it for resale.
2. Add IP clauses to your terms of service — State clearly that customers must own or license any designs they submit.
3. Focus on original and commissioned work — Custom designs, engineering prototypes, and architectural models carry zero IP risk.
4. Educate your customers — Many hobbyists genuinely don't understand that downloading a free STL doesn't grant commercial rights.
3D Forger's Position on Intellectual Property
3D Forger prioritizes original work. We specialize in:
Custom engineering prototypes — designed to your specifications
Architectural scale models — from your CAD files
Original product designs — developed by our in-house team
We do not print copyrighted characters for commercial sale, and we encourage every studio in Malaysia to adopt the same policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I 3D print a character for personal use?
Personal use exists in a legal gray area. Selling
Can I 3D print a character for personal use?
Personal use exists in a legal gray area. Selling or distributing the print is clearly illegal. Printing one copy for yourself is generally tolerated but not explicitly legal in most jurisdictions.
What if my customer provides the file?
You are still potentially liable. The 2024 POP MART case established that printing services share responsibility for copyright infringement.
Where can I find legal 3D models to print and sell?
Look for models with explicit commercial licenses on platforms like MyMiniFactory, Cults3D, or commission original designs.