Epoch Company Ltd., the U.S. maker of Calico Critters, abruptly dropped its lawsuit in opposition to Sylvanian Drama, the TikTok and Instagram collection the place innocent-looking woodland toys star in twisted soap-opera–model skits.

Featured Video

The movies, created by Ireland-based Thea Von Engelbrechten since 2021, used Sylvanian Families—often known as Calico Critters within the U.S. and Canada—to parody reveals like Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars, all whereas tackling unhinged storylines like drug abuse, kidnapping, and poisonous households.

The present’s haunting attraction helped the account accumulate round 2.5 million TikTok followers and 1 million Instagram followers, together with a number of model offers.

What’s the lawsuit about?

According to NBC News, Epoch’s April lawsuit, filed within the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, accused the content material creator of copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and unfair competitors.

Among its points was Von Engelbrechten’s use of promotional doll photos as account icons and her monetization by means of branded content material with out permission. While there have been previous makes an attempt to have a few of Von Engelbrechten’s movies eliminated by way of a Digital Millennium Copyright Act discover in late 2023, Epoch sued after claiming the 2 events have been unable to succeed in a everlasting decision.

NBC reviews that Epoch’s submitting demanded a jury trial, as much as $150,000 in damages per work, and a everlasting injunction in opposition to utilizing the dolls. Settlement talks started by July, and a joint proposal was reportedly within the works heading into August.

Then, out of nowhere, Epoch withdrew the case—with out rationalization.

What occurs to the viral account now? 

Before the dismissal, Von Engelbrechten dropped hints. According to Ars Technica, she had just lately requested followers to assist rename her account and confirmed a brand new profile picture, suggesting a behind-the-scenes decision was close to. The outlet reviews that confirms Von Engelbrechten pays her authorized charges.

As of now, Sylvanian Drama stays dormant. No new movies have appeared this 12 months, and the account deal with stays unchanged.

@sylvaniandrama #love #drama ♬ Mr. Brightside – The Killers

Still, the voluntary dismissal alerts that the present isn’t useless—simply paused. Whether that is below a personal settlement, a licensing deal, or a mutual understanding stays unclear.

Was the lawsuit extra dangerous than not?

Legal consultants warn Epoch might have picked a poor battle. Trademark and copyright protections for characters like tiny fuzzy bunnies in costumes are skinny, particularly when the content material arguably transforms them by means of satire. 

As Alexandra Jane Roberts, a Northeastern University professor who has a particular experience in trademark legislation, instructed Ars Technica, “There’s only so many ways to make a small fuzzy bunny that doesn’t look like this.”

Fans have rallied behind Von Engelbrechten as effectively, accusing Epoch of alienating a built-in viewers as an alternative of seizing a collaborative alternative.

As we’ve beforehand reported at The Daily Dot, the backlash highlighted how she elevated the model’s visibility, with many critics noting that it was the Sylvanian Drama TikTok account that made them wish to purchase the toys, whilst adults.

With this authorized detour behind her, Sylvanian Drama might quickly rise once more—and free to run simmering satire by means of a subject of impossibly well-dressed toy bunnies.

The web is chaotic—however we’ll break it down for you in a single every day electronic mail. Sign up for the Daily Dot’s publication right here.