Pop Mart to take action against unauthorized use of Labubu in food

Food retailers riding on the hype over Labubu to sell edible products fashioned after the monster character with serrated teeth may have bitten off more than they can chew.

- Hedy Khoo

Pop Mart, which manages the intellectual property (IP) for Labubu and The Monsters, intends to take action against unauthorized use of the characters, including in food products.

Labubu is part of The Monsters story series created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung.

Pop Mart – a Chinese pop-culture and entertainment company focused on IP management – signed a license agreement with Lung that covers the IP of The Monsters, a cast of 10 characters including Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, Pato and Labubu.

Labubu skyrocketed in popularity in 2024 when K-pop girl group Blackpink's Lisa posted photos of herself with Labubu toys in April.

Mr Kevin Zhang, 46, Pop Mart International's head of strategic partnership, says the company is aware of food vendors selling products made in the likeness of Labubu in Singapore.

None of them have been authorized to do so, he adds.

He says: "Pop Mart is going to be taking the necessary legal action to put a stop to unauthorized usage of Labubu and The Monsters to protect the artist's and also Pop Mart's interests.

"If we do not take action, we are hurting our future brand partners. For example, if a restaurant chain is willing to pay a licensing fee to use the characters, such illegal and unauthorized use of the IP rights will hurt the brands that want to work with Pop Mart in a proper way."