You’ve seen it before. You were either struck with adoration, maybe some cuteness aggression… or, also possibly, just straight up repulsion. It’s like the cilantro of stuffed toys, really. You see, the jury is out, but it’s from opposite courts.

We’re talking about the little fuzzy elf with nine sharp teeth, big bunny ears, and a gleaming “authenticity stamp” on its foot that became an overnight sensation. That’s Labubu, Pop Mart’s mischievous collectable toy from the Monsters line that exploded into a full-blown cult obsession. But with fame comes impersonators… and boy, did those freebies overstep.

It’s time for you to meet Lafufu toys: the cheeky Labubu counterfeits that now face lawsuits and trademark wars.

Labubu: The OG Cute + Creepy

In 2015, Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, then residing in Europe, released Labubu upon the world as part of his whimsical The Monsters trilogy. He was inspired by Nordic folklore for the mischievous elf-like creature with pointy ears and a serrated grin.

But it wasn’t until four years later, back in 2019, that the character took off into pop culture fame, thanks to an exclusive licensing partnership with Pop Mart, innovators of the “blind-box” design model.

As a result, as of 2025, Labubu has become a global sensation. It’s got over 300 variants, and they span from vinyl figures to plush keychains. And the most jaw-dropping side to these toys – as opposed to their uncanny smile – is that their prices tend to range from roughly $15 for mini versions to $170,000 for a rare 4-ft mint-green collector’s piece auctioned in Beijing

Or, you know… the one and only 24-carat gold La-bew-bew.

The thing is, even celebrities, notorious for avoiding any brands if they don’t come with a deal, couldn’t resist the trend. A-Listers like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian, and even David Beckham and Blackpink members, were snapped flaunting these quirky charms, turning Labubu into both a collector’s must-have and a fashion statement.

Lafufu Toys: The Labubu Counterfeit You Didn’t Know You Didn’t Need

Lafufu, yes, it’s a playful insider nickname, refers to the pirated Labubu counterfeits born from Labubu’s viral fame. In a twist that even trend forecasters didn’t see coming, the name caught fire online, especially in the West, as fans chuckled at the off-model imitations that somehow looked cute and slightly unsettling.

These impostors are everywhere: online marketplaces, scam alerts, and even highway vendor stalls hawking “affordable alternatives.” The surging demand for Labubu turned Lafufu into a cost-conscious cult curiosity.

But here’s a savvy collector tip: Labubu always has exactly nine teeth, a matte peach-pink finish, and a UV-activated seal on the right foot, features Lafufus hilariously omit. Their packaging often feels glossy, misprinted, or poorly produced.

The Plushy Courtroom Showdown: Labubu vs Lafufu Case

Move over, soap operas, there’s a new drama in town, starring a fuzzy little monster named Labubu and a convenience store giant: 7-Eleven. No, this isn’t a bizarre buddy comedy; it’s Pop Mart’s legal battle against 7-Eleven for allegedly selling Labubu counterfeits. Or, as fans affectionately call them: “Lafufus.”

Pop Mart isn’t having it. According to the Labubu Fake lawsuit, 7-Eleven knew exactly what was up and sold these Labubu counterfeits. Think of them as Labubu, but with eyes popping out like they’re auditioning for a horror flick, heads that don’t quite fit, and a grin so crooked it’d make Harry Styles and Jacob Elordi jealous.

The legal complaint lists seventeen counts against 7-Eleven, everything from trademark infringement to trade dress violations, because apparently, knocking off a $20 toy is serious business. And it really is, since counterfeit designer toys do more harm than good Pop Mart is demanding that 7-Eleven stop selling these plush impostors and cough up damages to cover the mess.

And it’s not just a US problem, actually. Chinese authorities have seized tens of thousands of Lafufus, the UK police are confiscating them by the hundreds of thousands, and the Better Business Bureau is flooded with complaints from people who thought they scored a deal but got a plush nightmare instead.

Pop Mart’s even trying to trademark “Lafufu” itself, basically cornering the market on calling out knockoffs.

The Devil’s in The Ears and Boxes

Let’s be honest, Lafufu are the hilariously imperfect doppelgangers that make collectors smirk and then reach for a UV flashlight. Actually, Real Labubus come with nine perfectly painted teeth, but Lafufus drops the ball here. Somehow, they sport uneven, misplaced, or even just too many teeth.

The devil’s in the details, or in this case, the ears and boxes. Authentic Labubu ears tilt inward, almost touching, while Lafufus leave them hilariously spread apart, as one collector playfully pointed out in a side-by-side battle of the two ”cousins”.

Of course, box quality also matters: real packaging is matte, sharp, and crisp, and counterfeit boxes often feel like 1990s cereal. Pixelated and glossy.

There’s also the forensic footwork: real Labubus carry a clean “Pop Mart” logo on the left foot and a UV-only visible stamp on the right. Lafufus either bung those or bury them in plain view.

So what’s the verdict? Lafufus may wobble and slip in craftsmanship, but hey, they’re still cute. Just unmistakably, giggle-worthy fakes.

The Hidden Costs: Why Lafufus Are the Party Crashers of the Plush World

Alright, picture this: Lafufus roll up to the toy party like the cousin who shows up in socks with sandals. They’re confident, slightly off, and totally uninvited. Sure, they might look cute at first glance, if you squint and turn your head, but trust us, they’re the fuzzy troublemakers nobody invited.

The fact is that Kasing Lung, the genius behind Labubu, didn’t just whip up these little monsters during a coffee break while scribbling on a stained napkin, not at all, and this is something every artist can feel.

Then along came the Lafufus, like cheap knockoff villains, slapping together “Labubus” with the grace of a toddler on a sugar rush. Imagine Labubu after a wild night out, eyes popping in all directions, and a head that refuses to sit right. They sport a grin that looks like it’s asking, “Did I miss the memo?” And, well, yes. They totally did.

They confuse the fans and steal hard-earned cash from the artists who actually make the Labubu so charming.

To put things into a clearer perspective, counterfeiting is like that messy guest who spills punch on the carpet and blames the dog, except here, the dog is creativity, and it’s definitely not amused.

So yeah, Lafufus might be goofy and cheap, but they remind us all why respecting copyright isn’t just a snooze-fest legal thing. It’s the energy that keeps artists’ dreams alive and our plush shelves full of the real, weirdly wonderful Labubu monsters we adore. Or abhor. TikTok is still deciding that.

Pop Mart’s Tech for Outsmarting the Fakes

In the battle against Lafufus, Pop Mart isn’t just sitting back hugging their plush toys, they’ve rolled out some seriously clever tech tricks to help fans avoid the Labubu counterfeits. Think of it like a high-tech game of “Where’s Waldo?”, except instead of Waldo, you’re hunting for the authentic Labubu, which we’ll get to in a bit.

First up: QR codes. You heard (read?) that right, each genuine Labubu blind box comes with a scannable QR code that links straight to Pop Mart’s official verification page. It’s like a secret handshake between you and the toy gods. Before you even unwrap your fuzzy friend, you can double-check it’s the real deal, and not some sad, wonky impostor.

Then there’s the UV stamp hidden discreetly on the right foot of every legit Labubu plush. This isn’t your average glow-in-the-dark sticker and you know it. It’s a subtle mark only visible under UV light, perfect for collectors who want to bust counterfeiters with a quick flashlight check while feeling like the Instagram-addicted versions of Ghostbusters.

Labubu Hunting: Summing Up Tips That Keep the Joy (and Your Wallet) Intact

Do you want to bring a Labubu home without the drama? We get it. Lafufu toys, aka the Labubu counterfeits, just aren’t “it”. So, here’s how to go treasure hunting with a smile, hopefully nothing like the one on those gremlins, and your bank account intact:

Remember to always scout the Source and buy from Pop Mart’s official shop or a reputable licensed dealer. Ditto for verified retailers, we’re talking legit sources, not that one sketchy online seller with pixelated images and a suspiciously low price. If a plush looks shockingly affordable, step back, because it may well be too good to be true. No such thing as a free lunch, and no such thing as an affordable Labubu.

Genuine admirers know that the iconic Labubu comes in many forms, like the legend it truly is. You’ll find them in velvety plush, or sleek blind-box figurines, and even wearable keychains! Part of this is because prices are set because of rarity, with everyday options hovering around $30-$60 and coveted limited editions climbing well into triple digits.

Follow your heart. And your wallet.

Now, do you need proof? Truthfully, Redditors and fan groups are “the” place to be for insider wisdom. They share real-deal photos, seller recommendations, and sometimes, “here’s how not to get scammed” guides eerily reminiscent of the 90s “XYZ for Idiots” that help you stay savvy, and also humble.

CustomPlushMaker: Your Ideas Brought to Life

Nobody would be surprised if, after getting way too close and personal with this plush-fiction court drama situation, you might just want to forget about the 180-degree grin thingamabob altogether.

Maybe, now you want something as wholesome as Labubu but inspired entirely by you? If you’re thinking “yes”, then custom plush is your creative sanctuary. Where ideas turn into squeezable reality, if you will.

And if you’re trying to have a moment with everyone, extended family and eyebrow-raisingly “well-traveled grand uncle” included, or just thinking of getting more creative with corporate handouts, ordering larger quantities can definitely bring down the cost.

That means you can add premium elements, like high-quality fabrics, embroidered details, branded tags, and whatnot, all without hurting your budget.

And, with us, you don’t need trademark battles or anti-counterfeit stickers. Because your product is the original. The OG. The True-Boo-Boo instead of Labubu. It’s your creativity wrapped in plush that’s easy to hug with the added “plus” of being impossible to confuse.

Naturally, you’ll get sustainability points, too, since using recycled or eco-friendly materials makes your plush not just cute, but conscientious.

So, dream big and sketch a masterpiece. All you have to do after that is trust us to transform your ideas into heartwarming soft toys, your brand’s most memorable statement yet.

Conclusion

There’s a wildfire of a court battle happening between two giants of 21st-century consumerism: 7-Eleven and Pop Mart. And you, as a well-intentioned but maybe a little less chronically online than the average 15-year-old, might be feeling a bit trapped. A bit. Or a lot, since who knows how seriously you take soft toys?

Anyway, it’s undoubtedly true that Labubus are unique and they deserve credit for being that way. The Kasing Lung copyright infringement case makes perfect sense when you look at it this way. Copycats are, of course, never cool, and they can fully bring actual loss and harm to artists who are trying to make it in the charming ol’ world of capitalism with their original ideas.

So, try to keep an eye out for the real things. Maybe get one, if that’s what you ike. But it just might be a hundred times better to go for something original… to you.

You got it, we’re talking about custom-made plush toys. You can consider it a feel-good gift with actual heart, since gifting a custom plush made just for someone, whether it’s their pet, logo, or inside joke, is adorably thoughtful. What do you say? Reach out to CustomPlushMaker today and get your own special idea fleshed – or stuffed – out!