Shein Faces Another Major Lawsuit Over Knockoffs

Photo Credit: Selena – Dreaming of You: 30th Anniversary Remaster / SelenaVEVO

Shein faces yet another lawsuit over the widespread selling of knockoff artist merchandise on its marketplace, this time from Selena’s estate.

China-based global e-commerce platform Shein is no stranger to being pelted with lawsuits for hosting the sale of counterfeit artist and other celebrity merchandise. The latest lawsuit comes from the sister of the late Queen of Tejano Music, Selena, whose company owns the beloved singer’s trademarks.

Suzette Quintanilla and her company, Q Productions, are accusing Shein—known for selling low-cost clothing and accessories—of manufacturing and selling unauthorized merchandise, including apparel and accessories, that exploits Selena’s name, image, likeness, and trademarks. A cease-and-desist letter was allegedly sent in August 2024, but appears to have been ignored.

“To date, Defendants continue to willfully and unlawfully exploit Plaintiffs’ Selena Marks and rights of publicity in commerce against the express demands by Plaintiffs to cease and desist such use,” wrote Quintanilla’s attorneys.

Selena’s estate is suing for trademark infringement, unfair competition, and publicity rights violations. She is seeking damages and an immediate court injunction to force Shein to stop all production and sales of the infringing goods.

Selena, one of the most influential Latin artists of her time, was shot and killed in 1995 by the manager of her fan club and boutique shops, Yolanda Saldivar. Saldivar shot and fatally wounded Selena when confronted over a financial dispute. The singer was only 23 when she died, but she remains a beloved figure in Latin music and Tejano culture.

The lawsuit brought by Selena’s sister is just the latest to accuse Shein or its competitor, Temu, of selling knockoff merchandise without permission or compensation. In September 2025, Twenty-One Pilots sued Temu over the company’s alleged sale of “blatant copies” of the band’s official merch.

Before that, the estate of the late rapper MF Doom sued Temu for the same reason. The MF Doom lawsuit was thrown out in December by a judge who determined it was lacking since Temu wasn’t the manufacturer of the goods, but a federal judge allowed it to move forward after some revisions.