Squishmallows is Suing Build-A-Bear

gamerant.com:

Build-a-Bear, the customizable plush toy store, is facing a lawsuit from the manufacturer of Squishmallows, accusing the company of intentionally copying Squishmallows with one of its recent plush releases. The lawsuit emerged shortly after the introduction of Build-a-Bear's Skoosherz plush line of toys.

Build-a-Bear has been around since 1997, with an initial focus on teddy bears that buyers could dress up and customize in-store. Since then, the toy empire has expanded to operate internationally and online, and has seen a number of partnerships with other large brands. Both Squishmallow and Build-a-Bear have partnered with The Pokemon Company, though this particular lawsuit isn't directly tied to Build-a-Bear's Pokemon designs.

Now, Build-a-Bear is being targeted in an intellectual property lawsuit filed in California by Jazwares, the parent company of the Squishmallow toy line. The lawsuit is specifically due to the release of the Skoosherz toys by Build-a-Bear. Unlike standard Build-a-Bear toys, the Skoosherz line is a squishier, rounded, «pillow-like» plush toy. Jazwares alleges that Build-a-Bear's Skoosherz toys are intentionally attempting to infringe upon their creations, calling the Skoosherz «knock-offs» of its product. The company further claims that Build-a-Bear went to «great lengths» to copy the appearance and designs of its Squishmallow line.

In response to the allegations, Build-a-Bear has responded by filing legal action against Jazwares in Missouri. Build-a-Bear is asking for a legal declaration that its Skoosherz design isn't infringing upon the Squishmallow toys, specifically indicating that it hasn't infringed on Jazwares' «trade dress» rights.

Considering that Build-a-Bear's Skoosherz line was only introduced in January 2024, it may come as a surprise to some to see Jazwares responding this quickly. However, this isn't the first time that parent company Jazwares has gone after a manufacturer for allegedly copying its products. Jazwares has