Why Tiktok's Viral Build-a-Bear Frog Sparked a High-Stakes Plush Toy War
By Chloe Bennett
Q1: Why did the Build-A-Bear Spring Green Frog go viral on TikTok?
The frog debuted in early 2020 and became an unexpected fixture of TikTok’s cottagecore and comforting aesthetic communities during pandemic lockdowns. Its pastel coloring, wide-set face, and dressable design resonated strongly with Gen Z and young adult collectors looking for tactile comfort and DIY personalization.
Q2: What was the primary issue in the lawsuit between Build-A-Bear and Squishmallows?
In February 2024, Jazwares and Kelly Toys sued Build-A-Bear for trade dress infringement over its new "Skoosherz" line. The lawsuit alleged that Build-A-Bear copied the distinctive egg-shaped silhouette, flat embroidered faces, velvety outer fabric, and minimalist appendages that define Squishmallows.
Q3: Can Build-A-Bear still sell the viral Spring Green Frog and Skoosherz?
Yes. The original Spring Green Frog remains an official flagship product in Build-A-Bear workshops and online stores. The ongoing intellectual property dispute centers specifically on the rounded Skoosherz product design and its alleged similarity to Squishmallows, not the traditional bipedal plush frog.
Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.
