Fujian Shoemaker Defeats FORTEI after 5-year Dispute

The Trademark Office under the State Administration for Industry and Commerce conclueded a 5-year trademark dispute between Italy-based Fortei International Company and Fujian Haixia Shoes Company, affirming registration of Haixia Company’s No.3415709 trademark.

Haixia Company designed a sailing boat logo trademark, and filed a trademark application to the Trademark Office (TMO) in 2002. Fortei then challenged the registration during the publication period from end 2004 to early 2005, and held that the Haixia Company’s logo is similar with its 富铤 FORTEI, which cause confusion among consumers.

TMO held that significant disparity exists between the content of above two trademarks. No similarity is established. Besides, Fortei Company fails to prove that the sailing boat logo constitute a imitation of 富铤 FORTEI. So ordered.