Funko files a lawsuit against LootCrate??!!

By Mark Rodriguez

I usually don't make articles like this, but this was rather surprising to me and I had to find out more about it. As you know Funko are the guys behind those beloved Funko Pops, as well as the Marvel Collectors Corps bi-monthly subscription box. As you know, Loot Crate is one of the most popular sub boxes and while they do include a Funko Pop some times, it's not guaranteed in every box. In fact, my first ever Funko Pop was the TMNT Pop that came in Paige's first ever Loot Crate. So why would Funko be suing someone that has been working alongside them for years?

My very first Funko Pop was TMNT's Donatello!

From what I understand, Funko isn't happy that Loot Crate is using their brand name and logo to sell their products, regardless of if the box of the month includes a Pop or not. Rather than explain themselves to Funko in case it was a misunderstanding, Loot Crate has not been responding to Funko at all. The Pop company has had enough of the silence and filed the lawsuit.

The lawsuit against LootCrate states the following- "Loot Crate is profiting from and trading on the Funko brand by willfully and unlawfully using Funko’s trademark on Loot Crate’s packaging to promote and sell Loot Crate’s products. Funko seeks injunctive relief and damages arising from Loot Crate’s infringement."

One thing to point out is that Loot Crate hasn't really had a Funko item included in their boxes for quite some time... yet they continue to show the Funko logo and Pops to entice potential customers of the chance of such an item in the future. If they continue to show the logo, they might owe the company loyalties. Either that, or Loot Crate might be trying to push Funko products even if their license with them expired.

The site shows several possible items you can get in crates, including that Doc Brown Funko Pop on the top right corner

Time will tell what will happen between Funko and the gang at Loot Crate and so far neither side has not issued any sort of official statement.

Loot Crate items vary in quality and expectations, but a Funko Pop is usually a surefire win for many fans. If they haven't been offering Pops in their crates for a while, they might to survive just fine without them. However, Funko has developed quite the fanbase with exclusive Pop collectors and if Loot Crate stops advertising Funko products, they might flock over to the Marvel Collector Corps or other boxes if they haven't already.

Now before anyone jumps to conclusions, there are just the things I have been noticing, and until some sort of official statement is made from either companies, I can't really give an official reason as to why Funko is trying to sue Loot Crate. Don't take my statements as fact as we don't have the full story just yet. If you ask me personally, I can't choose sides because I love both companies. I did notice however that Loot Crate removed the Funko logo off their website... but the Pops are still littered across the site's pages.

We'll have to wait and see. Loot Crate has been one of the longest running subscription boxes in sub box history and has expanded into a collection of crates to choose from, ranging from horror to gaming. It has endured other boxes that have sadly gone down like Nerd Block and 1Up Box, but it has had some issues over the years here and there. Will this be another challenge they will overcome... of will this lawsuit spell the end of LootCrate?

Here's hoping both sides can cut a deal. When it comes to Loot Crate Exclusive Pops, Paige got a Doc Brown Pop and I got a Super Saiyan Goku Pop.