Alfred Dunhill awarded 10 million yuan in ‘groundbreaking’ trademark infringement case against Chinese clothing firm Danhuoli
Court ruling said to strengthen China’s growing reputation for intellectual property rights protection
British luxury brand Alfred Dunhill was awarded 10 million yuan (US$1.44 million) in damages on Wednesday after a “groundbreaking” decision by a Chinese court found a local rival guilty of trademark infringement and unfair competition practice.
The Foshan Intermediate People’s Court in Guangdong Province also deemed the individual responsible for menswear firm Danhuoli personally liable for the infringement, giving extra teeth to the court’s decision and strengthening China’s growing reputation for intellectual property protection.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly lashed out at China’s lax IPR protection laws, forced technology transfer and alleged IP theft, saying it costs the United States as much as US$600 billion per year, a charge China has denied.
Earlier this month, Chinese sources told the Post the country would improve its IPR protection to bolster innovation and support industries, but not as a result of US pressure.
Reacting to the court decision, Alfred Dunhill CEO Andrew Maag said: “Today’s ruling demonstrates Alfred Dunhill Ltd’s unequivocal resolve in tackling infringement of our IP rights in China and globally. Our system of IP management and enforcement is second to none. With the support of Rouse and Lusheng law firm, we’ve secured a fair and proportionate ruling.”
