News - 27 October 2022 12:15

H&M Home accused of copying bowl designs from an independent designer

H&M Home has been accused of plagiarism in their new line of homeware products.

Independent Swedish designer Mimmi Blomqvist blamed the company for copying her bowl designs and robbing her of only livelihood.

As soon as the launch event took place, Blomqvist’s fans sent her messages and pictures of products from the event that looked identical to her products.

On Instagram, Blomqvist mentioned that she felt like covering her ears and wanting to “turn off the phone and think this didn’t happen.”

“It’s such a damn shame @hmhome didn’t just call me and ask if they could copy my #fungo direct,” she continued.

She believes that even though she has received publicity from this event, companies may continue to “steal a design and milk it,” and her products will lose their uniqueness when substandard copies are sold.

Mimmi Blomqvist started selling “Fungo” named bowls, along with other handmade vintage products, made in glass or ceramic since 2019, and it’s her only source of income.

H&M Home refuted allegations of plagiarism and stated that their designs were not copied or inspired by Blomqvist’s creations.

The company claimed that it has “regular design processes,” and “for this limited collection, the designers have dealt with the subject of volume and material contrasts, so it was not about looking at what other designers make for products.”

After the post went viral on Instagram, the company reached out to Blomqvist and invited her to meet them to understand her claims and to clarify their stance with respect to the designs.

PitchMark has written numerous stories related to logo designs or dress patterns from independent creators that were ripped off by large companies.

Recently, a digital illustrator Gail Purisima from the Philippines accused an online store in SM Southmall of stealing her artwork stickers of BTS member, Jungkook, and marketing it as its own.

PitchMark helps innovators deter idea theft, so that third-parties that they share their idea with get the idea but don’t take it. Visit PitchMark.net and register for free as a PitchMark member today.

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Mark Laudi

Press contact Managing Partner service@pitchmark.net (+65) 6223 2249

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