Shopify Targets Shopline Over Alleged Copying of Templates

Shopline has denied any wrongdoing, stating that it designs its own templates and that its customers can customize the look and feel as they wish. It says any similarities are due to following common web design conventions.

The Singapore startup argues that Shopify cannot claim ownership over basic website elements or concepts like layouts, colors, and fonts that are fundamental building blocks freely used across the internet.

This lawsuit marks an escalation in the legal tussle between the two e-commerce platforms competing in Asia. In 2022, Shopline sued Shopify in Singapore over alleged false marketing claims.

With both companies rapidly expanding their user bases across the region, this intellectual property dispute highlights the rising tensions in the flourishing e-commerce market.