In what might be the strangest case of copyright infringement in 2025, the Sylvanian Drama TikTok creator is facing a lawsuit from Sylvanian Families’ Epoch Company.
Who is the Sylvanian Drama TikTok creator?
The Sylvanian Drama TikTok account is a staple of the app that has appeared on just about everyone’s feeds since 2021.
@sylvaniandrama ♬ Mr. Brightside - The Killers
Thea Von Engelbrechten, based in Ireland, started the account from her family home out of lockdown boredom in January 2021, and it soon became viral. The premise of the short videos was to create soap opera-style stories involving murder, family scandals and all the drama you can imagine.
She’s now amassed over 2.5 million TikTok followers from these videos and has even collaborated with huge brands like Netflix, Asos and Sephora.
However, she hasn’t posted a video since January 2025 - could this lawsuit be the reason why?
About the lawsuit
Epoch Company, creators of Sylvanian Family toys, filed a lawsuit this April claiming that Von Engelbrechten was “creating, publishing and disseminating online advertising videos” without their permission. Settlement discussions are now taking place, and an initial pretrial conference is set for 14th August.
Epoch’s statement claims that Von Engelbrechten will “cause irreparable injury” to the company’s “goodwill and reputation” through her account unless enjoined. The company states Sylvanian Drama’s videos could confuse potential customers by giving the impression that the videos were officially made by Epoch.
Creators, copyright infringement is real
This case serves as an important reminder for creators about the legal implications of using branded materials or intellectual property in content creation.
Intellectual property laws, particularly copyright, protect the original works of creators. This includes everything from the design of toys to logo usage and creative concepts.
Whether it’s using a brand’s images, logos, or even product names, creators should understand that unlicensed use of copyrighted work can open the door to legal battles that are costly and damaging to their reputation.
The fact that Sylvanian Families, a niche toy brand, took legal action against a creator shows that brands are becoming increasingly aggressive about protecting their assets. Even if you’re working with products you love and not with the intent to harm a brand, unlicensed use could have consequences.
Get proper licensing
It’s a reminder that before featuring any third-party products or intellectual property in your content, make sure you have the correct licensing or permission. Whether it's a product collaboration, promotional campaign, or simply showcasing a brand in a video, ensure you’re covered.
Remember that fair use does not give creators free rein to use copyrighted materials without consequences, and when in doubt, consult with an attorney who specialises in intellectual property law.
Should Sylvanian Drama be sued?
The general consensus online is in favour of the Sylvanian Drama creator, with Simona Melani writing on LinkedIn that the account has “amplified its cultural relevance, reaching audiences that would never have engaged with the product otherwise.”
It’s a shame Epoch and the Sylvanian Drama creator weren’t able to join forces on some hilarious limited-edition TikTok series, and it does feel like a missed opportunity for those watching on the sidelines.
Nonetheless, we’ll be watching the case closely, along with the rest of the creator space.
