In 2025, a quirky little creature named Labubu is doing more than just delighting collectors—it’s rewriting the playbook on how toys become intellectual property (IP) powerhouses.
Created by artist Kasing Lung and distributed by Chinese collectible giant Pop Mart, Labubu began as a vinyl figure and has now become a global cultural sensation. Sold in “blind boxes,” Labubu’s collectible nature and scarcity have created long queues, viral social media posts, and skyrocketing resale prices. One 4-foot Labubu figure even fetched $170,000 at auction in Beijing.
But this is more than a fad. Labubu’s commercial success is deeply rooted in a robust IP strategy that ensures long-term market advantage and legal protection.
⚖️ Behind the Scenes: Intellectual Property Driving Success
Labubu’s creators have deployed a comprehensive intellectual property protection framework to support its growing brand equity:
- Trademarks: To safeguard the name, logos, and brand identifiers.
- Copyrights: Protecting the original artistic creation by Kasing Lung.
- Industrial Designs: Covering the unique 3D appearance of each figurine.
As demand increases, so does risk. Labubu now faces growing challenges from counterfeiting, unauthorized reproductions, and marketplace piracy. To stay ahead, the brand’s legal team relies on global trademark filings, active marketplace monitoring, and legal enforcement.
💡 What Labubu Teaches Businesses and Creators
Labubu isn’t just a toy—it’s a business case in how emotional branding, design exclusivity, and intellectual property strategy can turn a creative concept into a global success.
It highlights:
- The rising value of visual identity in brand building.
- The importance of early intellectual property protection, even for small creative projects.
- How scarcity marketing and storytelling drive demand and customer loyalty.
This phenomenon also reinforces that intellectual property rights are not optional. In today’s digital-first economy, where trends go viral overnight, only a strong IP framework can protect the commercial value of innovation.
🎯 Is Your Next Big Idea Protected?
At H&H IP Law, we help creators, designers, and businesses turn ideas into assets through tailor-made IP strategies. From trademarks to design registrations, we ensure your creativity is not only protected—but leveraged.
📩 Contact us today at info@hnh-iplaw.com
🌐 Learn more at www.hnh-iplaw.com
