SINGAPORE, Sept. 9 -- Home-grown handbag label Aupen has shut down its website and social media accounts while cutting staff amid a trademark dispute with US retail giant Target.

Aupen, founded by Nicholas Tan in 2022 and known for its asymmetrical leather bags, told employees they would be let go, The Straits Times reported today, citing a spokesman.

Target is opposing Aupen's attempt to register its name internationally, citing potential confusion with its Auden underwear and sleepwear line.

Taking to Instagram, Auden shared a letter purportedly from Target that claimed the names Aupen and Auden were "nearly identical", with the US retailer adding that it had used Auden "extensively" since 2019.

Target, which reported US$106.6 billi...