Temu has responded to a lawsuit alleging it steals mental property, violates U.S. privateness legal guidelines, and depends on pressured labor, in line with Kentucky Today.
What’s taking place?
In July, Kentucky Lawyer Normal Russell Coleman filed a lawsuit in Woodford Circuit Court docket in opposition to the Chinese language firm.
The swimsuit alleges that the favored on-line buying platform illegally collects consumer information with out data or consent, presenting a safety threat.
The swimsuit additionally claims Temu has infringed upon or stolen mental property from iconic Kentucky manufacturers reminiscent of Buffalo Hint Distillery and has violated U.S. commerce insurance policies, because it probably produces a lot of its merchandise utilizing pressured labor from China’s Uyghur minority.
“Merchandise made in China’s western province of Xinjiang are being bought to U.S. customers by way of the web buying platform Temu, in breach of a ban that forbids items from the area as a result of hyperlinks to pressured labor, in line with analysis by a worldwide provide chain verification agency,” the swimsuit states, quoting an exposé by the Los Angeles Times.
Why is that this vital?
For years, consultants have raised the alarm about unethical and environmentally unfriendly practices within the fast fashion trade — which depends on cheap labor and materials to promote customers stylish gadgets at extraordinarily low costs — in addition to the trade’s attempts to obscure how its business mannequin damages the planet and threatens public health.
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For its half, Temu denied the allegations. A spokesperson told Kentucky At present that the claims have been “primarily based on misinformation circulated on-line” and have been “completely unfounded.”
“We categorically deny the claims and can defend ourselves vigorously,” the spokesperson stated. “… We’re creating new progress alternatives by providing a low-cost various to conventional gatekeepers, serving to companies attain extra prospects and develop their gross sales.”
What could be completed about this?
No matter whether or not the court docket system finds the allegations to be credible or not, Temu’s standing as a fast fashion powerhouse could have already been sufficient to offer many customers pause about doing their buying by way of the corporate’s app.
ThredUp is among the many resale platforms serving to consumers ditch fast fashion whereas they replace their wardrobes at inexpensive worth factors — and save at the least $200 per yr by avoiding low-quality garments not meant to final past a couple of wears.
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