US court begins hearing Wahaha case

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clpstaff &clp articles

Latest episode highlights importance of control of IP rights

A Superior Court in Los Angeles has started to hear the case filed by French food maker Danone against its Chinese partner Wahaha. The case is part of the companies' long-running fight over the sale of drinks branded with the trademark Wahaha outside their joint ventures, and illustrates the importance of choosing the right venture partner, especially where IP issues are concerned.

The writ was originally filed in June 2007. Danone claimed in a statement that Wahaha was “selling products which are the same as those sold by Wahaha joint ventures and is making use of the joint ventures' distributors and suppliers,” according to a report by the China Daily.

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