Majo Works accused of illegally copying designs

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Lifestyle

Wed, December 6, 2023 | 06:15

Life

Majo Works accused of illegally copying designs

Posted : 2013-11-12 16:40

Updated : 2013-11-12 16:40

By Jung Min-ho

Cartoonist Jung Chul-yeon, who launched a lineup of commercial products on the back of his successful ''Majo & Sady'' series last month, is in a bind after his products were accused of copying existing designs.

Customers first noticed that Majo Works' sling bag seemed like a clone of a product made by British maker Lazy Oaf. Kun, the chief designer of bags produced by Sakun, also claimed that his creations were being ripped off by Jung's retail brand.

Majo Works has admitted that some of the products weren't authentic and pulled them from its stores. It remains to be seen how the controversy will affect its business. The popularity of Jung's cartoon has prove to be a commercial strength as Majo Works posted revenue of over 100 million won (about $93,000) in its first week alone.

However, the company was force to temporarily shut down its webpage on Tuesday following an avalanche of online criticism.

While Majo Works apologized to designers of its rival brands and promised to refund customers who have already bought the yanked products, it has been vague in describing its creative process.

Majo Works Director Seo Moo-kyung told The Korea Times that the copying happened "without the company's knowledge" as many designers from outside were also involved in making the products.

"We only give our collaborative designers a big picture of the design, and they work out the details," Seo said.

But he refused to reveal the name of the designer, who later "admitted the charge but will still continue to work with the company," noting that it does not want any sort of "blame-shifting."

Majo Works has so far removed four of its products, including the sling bag, but there are far more goods that are accused of illegal copying.

Kun claimed designs of his bag and cap were copied, asking for Majo Works to take down the products "that are copied from mine."

But In a statement Monday, Seo said the Majo Works' collaborative designer did not copy Kun's designs, noting that "some degree of similarity is inevitable."

Majo Works contacted Kun to solve the case but the latter, according to Seo, has yet to respond.

"The internal investigation into all of Majo Works' products is under way," Seo said. "If there is anything new (illegally copied products) found, we will take it down and announce it on the company's homepage."

"We are very sorry for disappointing many customers. We will try our best to ensure it won't happen again."

mj6c2@ktimes.co.kr