Louis Vuitton court win against Chinese tea chain sparks copyright debate
7 reported
A court in Suzhou, China, ordered Molly Tea, a Chinese tea chain, to pay French luxury brand Louis Vuitton $1.5 million for trademark infringement. The ruling has sparked online debate in China over ownership of traditional Chinese symbols. Chinese state media and commentators question whether the four-petal flower design in Louis Vuitton’s 130-year-old monogram is derived from ancient Chinese patterns. Some accuse the company of monopolizing traditional Chinese patterns. The Beijing Daily and Global Times, both state-owned outlets, have highlighted concerns about protecting ancient Chinese heritage. Louis Vuitton’s parent company LVMH describes the monogram as inspired by neo-gothic ornamentation and Japonism. Molly Tea, founded in 2021, plans to appeal the ruling.
What’s reported
A court in Suzhou, China, ordered Molly Tea to pay Louis Vuitton $1.5 million (10.3 million yuan) for trademark infringement.
The ruling is based on claims that Molly Tea’s logo infringed on Louis Vuitton’s monogram.
Chinese state media and online commentators question if the four-petal flower design is derived from ancient Chinese patterns.
The Beijing Daily said the ruling exposed a gap in protections of ancient Chinese heritage and symbols.
The Global Times reported “widespread frustration” over a foreign brand controlling a design believed to be part of China’s cultural heritage.
Louis Vuitton’s monogram, designed in 1896, is described by LVMH as inspired by neo-gothic ornamentation and Japonism.
Molly Tea, founded in 2021, plans to appeal the ruling.
Key figures
Louis Vuitton (French luxury brand)
Molly Tea (Chinese tea chain)
LVMH (parent company of Louis Vuitton)
Beijing Daily (Chinese state-owned newspaper)
Global Times (Chinese state-owned English language newspaper)
Sources: abcnews.com
