A toy company has dropped its lawsuit against viral TikTok creator ‘Sylvanian Drama,’ but the account’s owner has confirmed a rebrand is coming.
Calico Critters, sold as Sylvanian Families outside North America, are miniature, velvety animal figures with detailed outfits and accessories. First released in Japan in the 1980s, they’ve recently enjoyed a resurgence online thanks to TikTok creators.
One of the most prominent is Sylvanian Drama, run by Thea von Engelbrechten, who became known for producing adult-themed skits using the wholesome figurines.
But in April 2025, the toys’ Japanese parent company, Epoch Co., sued von Engelbrechten, accusing her of causing “irreparable injury” to the brand’s “goodwill and reputation” by creating and sharing content featuring Calico Critters without authorization.
Lawsuit against SylvanianDrama finally dropped
On August 9, court documents revealed Epoch voluntarily dismissed the case “without prejudice, with each party to bear its own costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees.” No settlement details have been disclosed.
Following the news, von Engelbrechten returned to Instagram for the first time since January, telling fans she will be changing the account’s name and profile picture on August 19.
“Hi guys, on the 19th August I will be changing the name and picture of this account. I’m not sure what to change it to yet so please let me know if you have any suggestions,” she wrote.
While it’s unclear what the new branding will be, the creator’s return suggests she’ll be back making viral content soon, just under a different name.
Fans have let their imaginations run wild with some leading possibilities being CanceledCritters, Desperate Mousewives and notsylvaniandrama.
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