Columbus, Ohio – Grammy-winning rock duo Twenty One Pilots has launched a significant legal challenge against the rapidly expanding online marketplace Temu, alleging widespread trademark infringement through the sale of counterfeit merchandise. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in California, accuses Temu of knowingly profiting from knock-off products that “devalue TOP’s brand and status in the rock milieu.”
The band, comprised of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun, known for their genre-bending hits like “Stressed Out” and “Heathens,” seeks unspecified damages from Whaleco Inc., the parent company operating Temu. The complaint asserts that Temu’s “knowing and systematic marketing and sale of counterfeit versions” of the band’s trademarked logos creates a false association and harms their carefully cultivated brand.
Detailed Allegations of Infringement
Central to the band’s filing are stark comparisons of official merchandise versus Temu’s alleged counterfeits. For instance, the lawsuit highlights a shirt sold on the Twenty One Pilots’ official website featuring their distinctive logo and a dragon, priced at $35. Temu, the band claims, offers a nearly identical version for a mere $8.51. The filing includes “nearly two dozen pages of screenshots” detailing numerous other products, from apparel to accessories, allegedly bearing the band’s trademarked images and names without authorization.
Twenty One Pilots contends that Temu was “advised” of these violations prior to the lawsuit but “failed to meaningfully respond, necessitating this action.” This inaction, they argue, demonstrates a disregard for intellectual property rights.
Temu’s Defense and Broader Criticisms
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for Temu stated, “Temu respects the intellectual property rights of others and takes all infringement claims seriously. While we uphold this commitment, we will vigorously defend ourselves against unfounded allegations.”
However, the band’s lawsuit goes beyond mere trademark infringement, leveling broader accusations against Temu. The filing describes the e-commerce giant as “one of the most unethical companies operating in today’s global marketplace,” suggesting its business practices “pose great threats to individuals, marketplaces, and the environment.”
These severe claims are bolstered by references to external reports. The lawsuit cites a complaint filed by the state of Nebraska, which alleged that Temu’s app functions as malware, illegally exfiltrating sensitive user data and transmitting it to China. Furthermore, the documents reference findings from a Select Committee that concluded Temu has “almost certainly violated U.S. law by shipping products made with forced labor.” These allegations paint a picture of a company facing significant scrutiny over its operational ethics and data security practices.
Legal Precedent and The Road Ahead
The legal action for Twenty One Pilots is being spearheaded by attorney Jeff Gluck, who has previously engaged in similar battles against Temu. Notably, Gluck filed a lawsuit in August 2025 on behalf of the estate of the late iconic rapper MF Doom, also alleging trademark infringement by the online retailer.
As Twenty One Pilots prepares for the release of their eighth studio album, Breach, on September 12, 2025, this lawsuit adds another dimension to their public presence. The band is seeking unspecified damages, signaling a determination to protect their brand and hold Temu accountable for the alleged infringements and broader unethical conduct. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how major artists and brands navigate the challenges of intellectual property protection on global e-commerce platforms.
