Alleged Edits to Mask Copying
Some of the disputed images were allegedly modified — with changes to garments, models, or backgrounds — in what Sorelle claims was an effort to disguise their origins.
“It is inferred and alleged that such edits have been made in an attempt to conceal the fact that the photographs have been copied,” said Kendal Watkinson of Hogarth Chambers, representing Sorelle, in the court filing.
Watkinson added that the alterations do not defeat the infringement claim, arguing that “the minor edits made to the photographs are irrelevant” because each allegedly copied image reproduces a substantial part of the original work.
Paid Digital Advertising Also Challenged
Beyond product listings, Sorelle alleges that by around November 2025, Shein had also deployed some of the disputed images in paid digital advertising campaigns, including placements on Google, Instagram and Facebook.
The claim says the images were used to promote Shein products, further amplifying the alleged infringement across major online platforms.
