Following a very productive first meeting between the ACID ‘Super Six’ and TEMU in July, we all reconvened on 21^st October to review progress and continued challenges, as well as raise new issues.

Fiona Yang, from TEMU’s IP Protection Team, once again faced Dids Macdonald, Laura Newbold Breen, Marion Horwood and the Super Six along with Brynn O’Connell, representing the ACID Advisory Council, to give TEMU’s take on progress.

Since receiving take down reports via direct emails from ACID members, alongside TEMU’s IP reporting tool, image analysis was demonstrated to be reducing identical listings reappearing. However, to keep building this into a successful and well-rounded approach, TEMU have the following tips:

• ACID members should mention they are members of ACID to TEMU in their takedown requests.
• Following up IP reporting tool with an email to [email protected] again stating they are a member of ACID.
• Copy ACID’s [email protected] email address in all correspondence to TEMU so we are aware.

Fiona explained that using TEMU’s IP reporting tool has a high success rate; however, emailing as well means they are notified directly to add these images to a database for proactive monitoring which is aimed at reducing these infringing images reappearing under a different guise or name.

John Parker, of Berni Parker Designs, stated there had been some reduction but more infringements lately. Reporting tool take down is usually actioned within 24 hours, but they were now re-listed by by 3 different sellers. This clearly demonstrates that the reporting tool isn’t effective enough yet. Picking up on this, Laura asked why the reporting tool doesn’t directly inform the database, rather than creating extra layers of work for ACID members by having to follow up by email and say they are a member of ACID. Fiona explained that this is an evolving process and TEMU  don’t always get the right or enough information via their reporting tool, so have to keep employing manual checks.

Amanda Mountain, Lola Design, agreed the system is good and responsive but the problem remains regarding repeat offenders trading with new identities. Moreover, as TEMU’s image recognition and responsiveness improves, sellers are now trying to ‘cheat the system’ by putting in backgrounds into the images! Laura Mysak, Wee Wishes, agreed; just before the meeting she had seen copies of her cards on TEMU but with different coloured backgrounds.

Clearly there is a still a lot to do.

Why are these sellers being allowed back with edited photos, knowing they have previously infringed?

Fiona again explained TEMU’s repeat infringer policy and urged the Super Six to forward any such listings directly to investigate with the seller onboarding team. Seemingly, this team is at some distance to the IP team.  Sellers are getting smarter and TEMU need the collaboration to improve things.

John Parker then gave an example directly from his phone to demonstrate the exact same design but with altered colours, but raising an even more concerning point: Not only are these items selling for ridiculously low prices, such as £1.54, but also with free standard shipping via Royal Mail or Evri. This is absolutely unobtainable in the UK, so how are TEMU sellers achieving it? Fiona’s response was equally curious as to how they can profit from this and clearly represent suspicious listings that need to be removed.

On a similar note, Laura asked about compliance and EU representation on compliance and suppliers. How are TEMU sellers able to get affordable EU representation with representatives prepared to represent them as having undertaken all the correct testing and certification?! Laura Mysak agreed; Wee Wishes has stopped selling into the EU because of the restrictions and costs, so how are TEMU’s sellers able to achieve this? Fiona advised that TEMU are not considered an ecommerce seller so don’t need EU representation themselves, so this is not an area currently available for comment. But it remains on ACID’s agenda.

Evidently, something is being compromised to obtain these prices!

Marion asked for a reminder of the consequences if, for instance, a seller is intentionally trying to fool the system, which is a serious offence. It appears that the three strikes rule is in operation but this has to be reported by the same designer, allowing infringements to be sold three times over before any action.

Greg Mysak, Wee Wishes, also reminded all present that sellers repeatedly create new names and personas; an issue that doesn’t seem to be abating. As discussed in July’s meeting, the onboarding process involves ID and Bank numbers, alongside 3^rd party verification. Yet, all agreed this is not fit for purpose. Marion commented that it is possible to create fake ID whilst Greg suggested TEMU should better monitor where payments are going. Brynn O’Connell, with her background in data science and technology, was able to comment that financial checks should be a continual process and repeated when infringers are reported at each strike.

Dids Macdonald suggested naming and shaming could be key to effective take downs, and all agreed. Better deterrence is needed but Fiona reminded ACID and the Super Six of the need for collaboration too. Frustratingly, the proactive monitoring approach previously mentioned doesn’t count towards the 3 strikes rule. As TEMU isn’t ‘the seller’, they cannot make a judgement; only the rights’ owners can do so through continued reporting to build up TEMU’s database. Proactive monitoring is, currently, a defensive and preventative programme.

There are encouraging steps forward but a lot more still to do.

TEMU, ACID and the Super Six will continue building their relationship and proactivity.

ACID would like to thank Fiona Yang, TEMU, for her continued engagement, support and contribution.

Thank you to ACID’s Super Six for your continued involvement and action:

Victoria Wardingly, Hand Painted Stuff

John Parker, Berni Parker Designs

Laura Mysak, Wee Wishes

Sarah Hurley, Sarah Hurley Brands

Amanda Mountain, Lola Design

Sophie Cooke, Imogen’s Imagination

Brynn O’Connell, ACID Advisory Council & CEO of Dauntless

ACID and TEMU plan to meet once again in 2026 and look forward to continuing our positive relationship.