27th Nov 2013 17:48
LONDON (Alliance News) - Burberry PLC Wednesday said it is appealing against a decision by the China Trade Mark Office to cancel the luxury goods retailer's trademark for its iconic trademark tan, red and black tartan design on leather goods.
The Wall Street Journal in Beijing reported that Burberry's trademark for its tartan pattern became invalid this month according to the website of the trademark office of China's State Administration for Industry & Commerce. The WSJ said that in February 2012 the agency received an application challenging Burberry's trademark to the pattern and that it made its decision November 13, but it did not identify who filed the application and did not disclose any additional information.
Under Chinese law, other companies can challenge trademarks if they aren't used for a certain period of time, although the trademarks cannot be used by other parties while any decision to revoke a trademark is being appealed, a process that can take years.
?Burberry is appealing against a recent decision by the China Trade Mark Office in relation to the Burberry Check trademark, which relates only to leather goods. In the interim, there is no change to Burberry?s use or enforcement of its trademark across leather or any other products and we are confident that our appeal will be successful," a Burberry spokesperson said in a statement.
"The Burberry Check remains a registered trade mark exclusively owned by Burberry and no other parties can use the mark without Burberry's proper authorisation. Burberry always takes the strongest possible action against those who use its trade marks unlawfully,? the spokesperson added.
Burberry's fight is the latest in a string of copyright issues foreign companies have faced in China.
Earlier this month, Burberry reported double-digit like-for-like growth in mainland China and a strong performance in Hong Kong. It has 71 stores in 36 cities in the country. In its last financial year, revenues in China were up 20% and accounted for about 14% of its total wholesale and retail revenue.
Burberry shares closed up 0.9% at 1,592,27 pence Wednesday.
By Steve McGrath; [email protected]; @stevemcgrath1
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