Popular Chinese tea chain Molly Tea has been ordered to pay 10.3 million yuan (£1.1 million; $1.5 million) in damages after a court ruled that its logo infringed a Louis Vuitton trademark, according to the BBC. The decision has fueled an online debate over copyright protection in China.
Court Ruling and Damages
On Thursday, a court in Suzhou, in eastern Jiangsu province, ordered Molly Tea to stop using the logo, issue a public apology, and pay damages to Louis Vuitton, according to Chinese state media China Daily. The court ruled that the Shenzhen-based tea company had copied Louis Vuitton's iconic four-petal flower monogram trademark.
| Key Figures | Amount |
|---|---|
| Damages | 10.3 million yuan (£1.1 million; $1.5 million) |
| Hashtag views | Over 400 million |
| Comments | Tens of thousands |
China Daily also reported that Molly Tea and its affiliated firms had applied for multiple trademarks that were rejected by the China National Intellectual Property Administration. Only the trademark containing the Chinese characters for "Molly Tea" was successfully registered.
Public Reaction and Online Debate
The case has divided the public online. A hashtag linked to the case drew more than 400 million views and tens of thousands of comments on Chinese social media platforms. Many users defended Molly Tea's logo design, noting that Western luxury brands have often drawn inspiration from Chinese artefacts.
One commenter on Weibo wrote in Mandarin that he will "drink a cup of Molly Tea daily" to show support for the company. Another wrote: "Give me a break. They're just taking advantage of the fact that our ancestors didn't file for patents."
A user on RedNote said: "Such basic geometric shapes have been used everywhere throughout history, not just China."
However, some supported the court's verdict. A Weibo user said those who back Molly Tea's design should "study law first," arguing that Louis Vuitton had already registered the trademark. Another said Louis Vuitton is justified in defending its intellectual property and that other brands do not have the right to imitate it, regardless of their industry.
Implications for Trade Compliance and IP Enforcement
For trade compliance professionals, this case underscores the importance of trademark clearance and registration before launching products in China. The ruling demonstrates that Chinese courts will enforce international luxury brands' intellectual property rights, even against domestic companies. Companies should conduct thorough IP searches and consider registering trademarks with the China National Intellectual Property Administration to avoid infringement risks. The public backlash also highlights potential reputational risks for brands that aggressively enforce IP rights, as consumer sentiment can be polarized.
The four-petal flower symbol is one of Louis Vuitton's trademark designs. The BBC has contacted Molly Tea and Louis Vuitton for comment. Additional reporting by Koh Ewe.
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