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Zuru (stylized as ZURU) is a Chinese toy company that manufactures multiple brands of toys. They currently (as of 2024) operate four main divisions: ZURU Toys, ZURU Edge, ZURU Tech, and Rhodes Pet Science.[1]
 Logo used since 2023 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Toys |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Nick Mowbray |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong, China |
| Brands | |
| Website | https://zuru.com/ |
History edit
When Mowbray was twelve in 1997, he designed and created a hot air balloon model kit that won first place in a national science fair in New Zealand. Mowbray's kit soon became more popular, and had started his first mini business of delivering hot balloon kits door to door with his brother, Mat. They had sold their kits throughout high school, and eventually decided to take university. They returned to delivering kits after one year of university.[1]
In 2003, Mowbray moved to Hong Kong from New Zealand and at age 18, with his brother, they started their first toy factory in Guangzhou, China. They were financed with a $20,000 loan from their parents, which they used to buy an injection molding machine. Soon after they ran into difficulties due to lack of managerial and administrivia experience, communication skills and knowledge of intellectual property legislation.[2]
After two years, their sister Anna helped them in their business and named it, Zuru. Their original company's trade name was Guru, but changed to Zuru as Guru had been trademarked by a different company.[2]
Walmart soon later expressed interest in Zuru's products and began selling them in their stores.[citation needed]
Brands edit
Zuru created a variety of brands over the years for children of any age, education, fun, interest, and affordable [3] including X-Shot, Bunch O Balloons, 5 Surprise, Mini Brands, X-Shot Water, Rainbocorn, Gumi Yum, and Snackles. They also partnered with The Walt Disney Company,[4] Nickelodeon, Universal Studios, and DreamWorks.[5][better source needed]
Sustainability edit
Zuru has been moving their toy products to be more recyclable and reusable. As of 2019, Bunch O Balloons itself and the stem's rubber material had changed to recyclable natural rubber latex and its packaging is recyclable too. The company also partnered with TerraCycle[6][better source needed]
Recognition edit
In 2022, Crazy Bunch O Balloons by Zuru won the Outdoor Toy of the Year award.[7]
Trademark infringement edit
In May 2019, Zuru had settled all pending infringement proceedings with Telebrands and Bulbhead.com LLC for making Zuru Bunch o Balloons product similar to their Balloon Bonanza, Battle Balloons and Easy Einstein products. Their settlement issued a full payment of $31 million final judgment, including additional substantial payment for Telebrands' product infringement and agreement that they will not sell any of their accused products.[5] [better source needed]
In 2020, Zuru was blocked by Lego from making its version of minifigures, as the court found Zuru infringed upon Lego's trademark.[8]
Zuru was also sued by Lego from its Zuru Max Build More building sets, for saying that it was compatible with Lego.[9]
References edit
- ^ a b Mega, Laurie (16 December 2022). "Nick Mowbray Believes Entrepreneurs Can't Lose". Foundr. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ a b Harrison, Virginia (16 December 2019). "How a university dropout built a toy empire". BBC News. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
- ^ Kirsch, Noah (20 August 2019). ""To Infinity And Beyond: The Mowbray Siblings Assembled A Billion-Dollar Fortune From Cheap Toys. Can They Create Something Grander?"". Forbes. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
- ^ "Zuru Collaborates with Disney on Mini Brands" License Global, Retrieved 21 December 2023,
- ^ a b "ZURU Bunch O Balloons Infringement" PR Newswire, Retrieved 2 February 2024
- ^ "How Zuru plans to save the future" PR Newswire, Retrieved 5 January 2024
- ^ "2022 Toy of the Year Award Winners" Toy Association, Retrieved 31 December 2023
- ^ "LEGO Blocks Out ZURU in Copyright Dispute Over Minifigures | Incontestable Blog" Finnegan | Leading Intellectual Property Law Firm, Retrieved 29 January 2024
- ^ Cao, Sean (19 July 2023). "NZ toy company Zuru loses trademark case against Lego". Retrieved 1 February 2024.