Recommended Free Tools
Epoch Company dropped its lawsuit against Irish creator Thea Von Engelbrechten, whose dark, soap-opera-style videos feature Sylvanian Families toys. The case ended without a ruling on whether the videos infringed Epoch’s rights or qualified as parody or fair use. The dismissal was without prejudice, and each side was responsible for its own costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees.
What is “Sylvanian Drama”?
“Sylvanian Drama” is the name commonly used for Von Engelbrechten’s social-media videos, which turn small animal figures into characters in soap-opera-style stories with adult themes. Von Engelbrechten is from County Kildare, Ireland. The toys are sold as Sylvanian Families in many markets and as Calico Critters in the United States.
RTÉ reported in August 2025 that the account had become a viral sensation during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Its report cited approximately 2.5 million TikTok followers and about one million Instagram followers; those are historical figures reported at that time, not current counts. RTÉ’s account of the creator and case provides that context.
What did Epoch allege?
Epoch, the Japanese company behind Sylvanian Families, filed a civil lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on April 7, 2025. Its complaint alleged copyright infringement and reputational injury, and also included trademark-related and unfair-competition claims. Those were Epoch’s allegations, not findings by a court. The complaint docket records the filing.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The dispute also involved the commercial context of some videos. Epoch’s complaint and reporting discussed brand partnerships, while Tribeca’s 2025 press release separately lists an Oatly campaign titled “Oatly’s Sylvanian Drama,” directed by Von Engelbrechten. The campaign credit documents a collaboration; it does not establish the truth of Epoch’s legal allegations. Tribeca’s 2025 brand storytelling lineup names the campaign and director.
How did the lawsuit end?
Epoch voluntarily dismissed all claims without prejudice. RTÉ reported that each side would bear its own costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees. “Without prejudice” means the dismissal itself was not a final decision on the merits; it did not resolve whether the videos infringed copyright or trademark rights. The case was not decided by a jury.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Ars Technica reported on August 8, 2025, that the dismissal filing did not give a reason. Irish Legal News later described the result as an apparent settlement, but the public reporting cited here does not establish private settlement terms or even confirm what, if anything, the parties agreed outside the dismissal. Von Engelbrechten announced changes to her account name and profile picture; those changes alone do not show what any private agreement contained. Ars Technica’s report on the dismissal and account changes covers those details.
Why did Epoch drop the lawsuit?
The reason has not been disclosed in the public reporting cited here. Without a stated reason or published settlement terms, it would be speculation to say that Epoch withdrew because it accepted a fair-use defense, lost confidence in its claims, or reached a particular private arrangement.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Did a court decide the videos were parody or fair use?
No. Von Engelbrechten reportedly described the videos as parody and invoked fair use, but the case ended without a court ruling on those defenses. The dismissal does not establish that the videos were fair use, that Epoch lost on the merits, or that the case created a legal precedent.
Commentators offered views about the dispute, but those are not court findings. RTÉ quoted Vincent Allen, managing partner of Carstens, Allen and Gourley, saying, “She is introducing these characters in a completely different way than Epoch ever dreamed that they will be used, and she’s creating entertainment.” Ars Technica quoted trademark-law professor Alexandra Jane Roberts discussing the challenge of claiming a toy design as a trademark: “There’s only so many ways to make a small fuzzy bunny that doesn’t look like this.” Neither comment decided the legal questions raised in the lawsuit.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
