International tire giant Michelin Group filed a trademark infringement case against Tianjin Miqilin(米其林, Chinese characters identical with Michelin's Chinese name) Electric Bicycle Co.,Ltd. Tianjin No.2 Intermediate People's Court enjoined the defendant from using the words米其林 on its products and as its company name. 50,000 yuan Renminbi in damages was also awarded to Michelin.
Michelin registered its trademark Michelin, the tire man and the device before the Trademark Office under the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. The Tianjin company was established and started its operation on November 16, 2004, engaging in e-bikes, bikes and parts. The trial court held that, in spite of the knowledge of the plaintiff's registered trademark and its reputation by the relevant public, Tianjin company still used 米其林 on its products. Such act led tp possible confusion and misled the relevant public.
Now, the case is pending for further trial.
