Louis Vuitton Court Win in China Sparks Backlash
Summary
A Chinese court ruled that the local tea chain Molly Tea copied Louis Vuitton’s floral trademark design and ordered Molly Tea to pay damages. This decision caused anger among many Chinese internet users, who say Louis Vuitton is using the law to claim ownership of traditional Chinese designs.Key Facts
- The court in Jiangsu province found Molly Tea infringed seven of Louis Vuitton’s registered trademarks.
- Molly Tea’s four-leaf floral logo was judged very similar to Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Canvas design.
- Molly Tea was ordered to pay about $1.4 million in damages and additional legal fees.
- The ruling is not final; Molly Tea may appeal the decision.
- Many Chinese social media users say Louis Vuitton’s designs come from traditional Chinese culture that is over 1,000 years old.
- Critics argue that companies should not trademark cultural patterns that are widely used and ancient.
- A similar court case earlier this year punished a Nanjing restaurant for using a vintage floral decor seen as infringing Louis Vuitton’s marks.
- The case sparked jokes on social media comparing Louis Vuitton bags to old Chinese toilet decorations because of the floral pattern.
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