The business is fake.

While technically a toy, la bu bu has also become a collectible and fashion "it" item, so it's no surprise that fake ones exist.

There is enough demand for fakes because people are already making a business of it.

It is popular among those who can't get their hands on the latest version of the software.

Affectionately called the “homeland version” (祖国版).

, just under the official 594 rmb (82.80 usd) pricing.

Meanwhile, other versions can set you back 190 rmb (26.49 usd) for six (regular) or 360 rmb (50.18 usd) for six (high-end).

The others are similar to the "shanzhai" counterfeits that have a slightly modified look, or due to inaccurate manufacturing, will use a different name such as lafufu.

There are fewer merchants who openly display these items due to recent regulatory visits.

Journalists are not allowed to visit the factories and products are kept secret.

This has been a common source of counterfeits in other markets, and may be connected to the factories that make labu bu for pop mart.

There are reports of lafufus in the united states.

How the toymaker can protect the value of its brand is perhaps the next problem it needs to solve.