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Labubu 3D Printing Lawsuit: POP MART’s Landmark Copyright Win and the Wake-Up Call for Makers

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Title: The Labubu Case: A Wake-Up Call for 3D Printing Professionals

A recent copyright lawsuit in China has become a landmark moment for the 3D printing industry. POP MART, the well-known IP owner of the popular designer toy character Labubu, has officially won a lawsuit against an online seller who 3D printed and sold unauthorized Labubu figures. The court ruled this as a clear case of copyright infringement, ordering the defendant to pay RMB 30,000 in damages.

This ruling has serious implications for every 3D printing studio, freelancer, and hobbyist who works with client-provided files or trendy character models.

What Happened?

The case centered around a Taobao seller who was 3D printing and selling Labubu figures without authorization. Even though the seller did not design the file themselves, the court found them liable as a co-infringer. The defense of “I’m just printing what the client gave me” was rejected outright.

This is one of the first court-recognized cases in China that clearly applies copyright law to 3D printed models—especially in the collectibles and designer toy space.

Why This Matters to the 3D Printing Industry

The case underscores a major blind spot in our industry. Many printing services believe that if a customer provides a file, the responsibility lies with the customer. However, this lawsuit proves that both the designer and the printing service can be held accountable if the model infringes on IP rights.

If you’re printing popular characters like:

Labubu
Sonny Angel
Pokémon
Marvel / Disney / Star Wars
Other viral or stylized characters

You’re exposed to significant legal risk—even if the model is free online or “customer-provided.” Legal systems are catching up with technology, and ignorance is no longer a defense.

What You Should Do Now

Stop printing unauthorized IP – Especially if it’s trendy or obviously copyrighted.
Educate your team and clients about IP risks.
Focus on original, commissioned, or licensed work that builds long-term credibility.
Add clear terms in your service agreement that you have the right to refuse prints that may involve IP risks.

Our Position at 3D Forger

As a company that champions originality and creative engineering, 3D Forger takes a strong stance in supporting intellectual property rights. We specialize in legal 3D design and printing, original model development, and education services that promote ethical 3D printing.

We invite other studios and creators to join us in building a more professional, respectful, and sustainable 3D ecosystem.

Trending Topics: Labubu 3D printing case, POP MART IP lawsuit, copyright in 3D printing, unauthorized toy model printing, IP enforcement China, how to avoid IP infringement 3D printing

If you have questions about licensing, model development, or how to legally create marketable 3D content—get in touch with our team at 3D Forger today.

some other news source
Pop Mart Wins Lawsuit Over 3D Printed Labubu Infringement
https://www.straitstimes.com/life/food/pop-mart-plans-to-take-action-against-unauthorised-use-of-labubu-in-food?
https://www.reddit.com/r/BitchEatingCrafters/comments/1kypo50/artist_ignoring_copyright/