Beijing-based Qiaodan Sports Co. is known for knocking off Jordan Brand Air Jordan models, has just won the case against Michael Jordan and his brand.
MJ filled a trademark lawsuit against the company claiming that they used a similar name and logo to mimic the Jumpman of Jordan Brand and Nike products.
He asked Chinese authorities in 2012 to revoke the trademark of Qiaodan Sports Co, accusing the sportswear firm of misleading consumers about its ties to the six-time NBA champion.
As well as the name, Qiaodan’s products carry a silhouette of a leaping basketball player resembling the “Jumpman” logo used by US sporting goods giant Nike to promote its Air Jordan brand.
Authorities refused Jordan’s request, and a lower court in Beijing did the same. He appealed to the Beijing Higher People’s Court, which has ruled against him, the Chinese news portal Sohu reported.
“‘Jordan’ is not the only possible reference for ‘Qiaodan’ in the trademark under dispute,” it cited a transcript of the verdict as saying.
“In addition, ‘Jordan’ is a common surname used by Americans,” the court added according to the report Monday, and the logo was in the shape of a person with no facial features, so that it was “hard” for consumers to identify it as Jordan.
Therefore, his Airness takes a “L” for this trademark lawsuit. Unbelievable! Let us know what you guys think in the comments section.
Source: Yahoo
