News

Monopolizing the shape of a rose for chocolate? Hogan Lovells successfully defends Wawi in a complex 3D trademark and OEM dispute in China

18/03/19

Hogan Lovells China team and Hogan Lovells Fidelity have recently secured an important victory for WAWI Xiamen (i.e. the Chinese subsidiary of the leading German chocolate manufacturer Wawi Group), successfully defending it from a 3D trademark infringement claim before a Chinese court. The case involves cutting-edge IP issues such as the distinctiveness and infringement assessment for 3D-trademarks, and the non-infringement defence for Original Equipment Manufacturing ("OEM").

Hogan Lovells secures a key trademark decision for ZF

26/10/18

Hogan Lovells has recently obtained a remarkable trademark decision for its client ZF and its affiliate ZF TRW Automotive Holdings ("ZF TRW") before China's highest court, the Supreme People's Court ("SPC").

The case revolved around ZF TRW's opposition action against a trademark application for its brand "TRW," filed by a trademark squatter. The China Trademark Office (CTMO) initially rejected the opposition claiming that the designated goods of the marks are unrelated and that "TRW" is not a well-known mark. The case was appealed to the SPC.

Two wins by the LEGO Group in China against Chinese copycats

08/03/18

The LEGO Group rarely puts itself under the spotlight by talking about litigations but it made an exception on 7 December 2017 by applauding its recent victories against two Chinese infringers. Click here for details.

The intellectual property lawyers who obtained said victories are from the Hogan Lovells Shanghai office and its associated office, Hogan Lovells Fidelity, in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone. Two Chinese toy makers (the "defendants") were jointly manufacturing and selling imitation LEGO products ("BELA Products"). The lawsuits were filed to Shantou Intermediate People’s Court based on copyright infringement and unfair competition.

Hogan Lovells Fidelity advises Mercedes Benz Auto Finance Ltd. on major securitisation deal

18/11/16

Hogan Lovells and Fujian Fidelity have advised Mercedes Benz Auto Finance Ltd. on their second securitisation of auto consumer credits.  Together with Chinese law firm Fujian Fidelity Law Firm ("Fidelity"), Hogan Lovells managed the entire documentation for the transaction, and also the registration and approval process with the People's Bank of China and the negotiations with the rating agencies. The deal (Silver Arrow China 2) value is approximately RMB 4.217 billion (€573m).

Shanghai free trade zone boost for Hogan Lovells and Fidelity

14/10/16

Leading global law firm Hogan Lovells and Fujian Fidelity Law Firm ("Fidelity") have entered into a formal association in the China (Shanghai) Free Trade Zone ("Shanghai FTZ"). This move reflects the firm's growth strategy in Asia and the importance of the region to many of the firm's global clients.

Fidelity was established in 1989 and is one of the largest law firms in the Fujian province. The firm has around 170 lawyers and covers a wide range of legal services, but has a particularly strong track record in corporate and M&A, insolvency and liquidation, financial securities, real estate and construction, and arbitration and litigation work. They currently have seven offices, including the one within the Shanghai FTZ. Hogan Lovells partners Andrew McGinty and Zhen (Katie) Feng will be leading the relationship with Fidelity and the promotion of the joint services from the two firms to clients.

Hogan Lovells has been actively following recent developments in the Shanghai FTZ and is only the third international law firm to enter into an association in the Shanghai FTZ.