Recently, a Korean local brand has accused SM Entertainment of plagiarizing one of their designs in RIIZE’s official goods sold in Japan.
In particular, the brand published an Instagram post stating, “Among the official goods sold at RIIZE’s concert in Japan, it’s upsetting to see a product looking very similar in shape to one of BitbyBit designs.”
The brand also attached images of their heart keychain with 2 frames for photos and a keychain being sold by RIIZE, showing a direct overlap in the shape and size of the 2 merch.
“Even if they were both in the shape of a heart, the proportions and curves should have been different, but even the positions of the holes are the same, making you wonder if this was a mistake”, the brand explained, adding, “We drew a heart shape and even made the mold ourselves. We did not want it to be mass-produced, and so have applied for a design patent in the form of a heart shape + 2 ID photos.”
According to the brand, while their design is patented in Korea, it is difficult to claim rights overseas, and since RIIZE’s merch was being sold in Japan, they can’t take any action.
They also add that they do not place any blame of RIIZE members themselves.
So far, related topics have gained attention on Korean forums like Instiz, and netizens were baffled, leaving comments like, “The brand even filed a patent for it, but SM just copied it… They have no sincerity at all”, “SM probably knows this so they try to sell it in Japan”, and “This is a perfect match, even the holes’ location is the same”.
Source: Instiz, Instagram
