Honda Sues LiFan for Trademark Infringement, Requesting 25million RMB Compensation

November 18, 2003
Honda Sues LiFan for Trademark Infringement, Requesting 25million RMB Compensation
Yesterday afternoon, Wuyang, XinDaZhou and Jialing, three of Honda’s subsidiary companies, took to the plaintiff seat in court. Their filed lawsuit was against Mr. Cao, owner of Beijing Zi Li Zi Qiang Motorcycle Shop, Beijing Chongqing Lifan Motorcycle Plant and Lifan Industry Company for trademark infringement. The plaintiff requested a compensation of 25 million RMB.

The trademark agent hired by Honda said that the plaintiff bought two types of motorcycles at Beijing Zi Li Zi Qiang Motorcycle Shop on Dec. 27, 2000. The second and the third defendant respectively produced the two motorcycles. The two motorcycles carried the “HONGDA” mark, which contains one more letter compared to Honda’s trademark. Honda thinks that the defendants clearly misled the consumers by using a mark close to Honda’s trademark and also infringed on Honda’s trademark right.

The second defendant did not appear in court, causing the judge to make a judgment by default. The first and third defendant said that the court violated court procedure; therefore, they refused to proceed with cross-examinations. After hearing the defendants’ view, the judge adjourned for 15 minutes and later turned down the defendants’ request.

This case is still being processed in court.

　

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