For last few days I've been following the information on an independent artist,
Dust of Dolls lovely doll, Püns, which has been shamelessly copied and offered for sale by one of the biggest companies in the Asian Ball Jointed Dolls industry - LeekeWorld.
I remember thinking about Püns immediately when I saw the new doll by Leeke, and then concerns of other BJD collectors have proven my suspicions right. I've been waiting for the
official statement of Dust of Dolls to confirm it. In the meantime, Leeke has published photos from the stages of making of the doll they called Mikhaila. They make some fruitless efforts to prove they didn't copy the doll, but the sketches and photos of Püns can be seen on Leeke's photos of their work desks.
I am shocked and ashamed of that act of bold and shameless copyright infringement. This should never happen, and the fact that this has been done by one of the major companies makes it even more blameworthy. I've been a fan of Dust of Dolls creations for a long time, and this situation leaves me flabbergasted and harldy believing this act of disgusting theft. Furthermore, It's not the first case of LeekeWorld copying someone else's work -
they have already been accused of using Russian photographer,
Oleg Dou, photos to create their Milch character.
The reaction of the BJD collector's community has been quite massive and really uplifting. I hope LeekeWorld feels the pressure and removes the copied doll from their offer. I also hope they pay for this theft and it will have severe legal consequences.
From my part, I will boycott the company that has undermined it's credibility so severely. I encourage everyone else, who has conscience to do the same.
Here you can find Dust of Dolls statement. The photos I enclose are also taken from their website.
