IICOMBINED Co., Ltd., the parent company of the fashion eyewear brand GENTLE MONSTER, has initiated legal proceedings against a rival Korean eyewear brand, referred to as Company B, for allegedly replicating its product designs and retail concepts. The announcement was made on December 24, 2025, from Singapore, marking a significant step in the ongoing conflict over intellectual property rights within the eyewear industry.
Since its inception in 2011, GENTLE MONSTER has established itself as a leading global brand, known for its innovative designs and unique customer experiences. The brand has garnered investment from major players such as Google and investment firms linked to LVMH, emphasizing its competitive edge and originality in design.
The legal dispute stems from an internal investigation by IICOMBINED, which uncovered striking similarities between at least 30 products from GENTLE MONSTER and offerings from Company B. IICOMBINED has stressed that GENTLE MONSTER does not have any business or manufacturing ties with other eyewear companies, labeling any such claims as false and misleading.
In March 2025, IICOMBINED filed a design invalidation trial with the Korean Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board, and a ruling is currently awaited. The company is taking a comprehensive approach to protect its brand, pursuing both civil and criminal actions against Company B to mitigate consumer confusion and safeguard its brand integrity.
In addition to the invalidation trial, a criminal complaint was lodged against Company B with the appropriate investigative authorities in December 2024. Furthermore, provisional seizure applications were made in March and June 2025 to secure potential damages. By October 2025, IICOMBINED escalated its legal action by filing a lawsuit under the Unfair Competition Prevention Act, seeking an injunction and damages.
GENTLE MONSTER has cultivated a loyal global customer base through the dedication and creativity of its team. The company remains resolute in its commitment to combat any actions that threaten its brand identity, undermine its value, or lead to consumer confusion. The outcome of these legal proceedings could have significant implications not only for GENTLE MONSTER but also for the broader landscape of fashion eyewear.
