The Case Study

When I searched for “chinoiserie pillow cover” on Temu, the top six listings were all direct copies of my mom’s Redbubble designs, taken without her consent and resold under different storefronts.

That discovery alone was painful. But what hurt even more was scrolling down to read the customer review and seeing hundreds of units sold

“So cute, love the design!”

“Great quality, exactly what I wanted.”

“If you're into the Staffordshire dog decor, you'll like this… very cute”

Most buyers likely had no idea the designs were stolen. They were just enjoying the art. But for my mom, the original creator, seeing her work praised and purchased by hundreds, without any recognition or compensation, is heartbreaking.

Reviews and Sales That Reward Theft

On platforms like Temu, reviews and sales volume drive visibility. Every five-star review boosts a listing’s rank, while high sales numbers signal popularity. In this case, hundreds of units sold amplified the reach of stolen art, making it even harder for the original artist to get noticed.

The irony is painful: customer appreciation is real, but it’s directed at the wrong person. The stolen designs thrive because positive reviews and strong sales create legitimacy in the marketplace, while the true creator is left invisible.

The Real Cost Behind the Stars

For artists, this isn’t just about lost revenue (though the financial hit is real and measurable). It’s about being erased from the story of their own work. The joy customers express in the reviews should have been directed toward the creator who imagined, sketched, and polished those designs. Instead, that appreciation is redirected to sellers who profited from stealing.

Why This Matters

This case study is a reminder that art theft online isn’t hidden in dark corners of the internet. It’s right in front of us, dressed up with five-star ratings, customer photos, and “Verified Purchase” tags.

It also shows why stronger protections are urgently needed. Artists shouldn’t have to watch strangers profit off their work while platforms reward counterfeiters with visibility. And customers deserve transparency, so their money supports the creators they think they’re celebrating.

Until that changes, every positive review on a counterfeit listing will remain a bittersweet sight, proof that the art is loved, but the artist is forgotten.