Kobe's name dispute

After basketball legend Michael Jordan filed a trademark infringement suit over use of his name in China, NBA star Kobe Bryan is now in a similar dispute.

Fujian resident Hong Qinping registered "KB-Kobe" as well as the Chinese translation of Kobe as a trademark for use on handbags, suitcases and wallets - which drew the attention of Bryant's powerful sponsor Nike.

Nike then protested the registration with the trademark review board at the State Administration of Industry and Commerce.

Yet the board decided Nike's evidence failed to prove Byrant's reputation extends beyond the basketball court to other business domains. It concluded that Hong's trademark does not violate Nike's rights.

In response, Nike recently brought legal action against the review board in Beijing No 1 Intermediate People's Court. The case has yet to go to trial.