Jellycat Sues Retailers Over Copycat Plush Toys

Jellycat, the UK plush toy maker, filed claims in the High Court in May 2026 against Next Retail, Hamleys of London and Bessie London. The actions allege trade mark infringement and passing off in relation to similar soft toys and items. Jellycat claims the defendants’ products, including a biscuit-shaped cushion and doorstop from Next and various food and object plushies from Hamleys, copy designs from its Loveables and Amuseables ranges. It describes the copies as inferior in quality and seeks substantial damages plus injunctions to prevent further passing off. Hamleys is an authorised Jellycat retailer. Next denies any infringing acts. The disputes form part of wider enforcement by Jellycat against lookalike products sold by UK retailers.

Small-business owners should register trade marks early and monitor the market for similar goods to protect brand goodwill effectively.