Intellectual Property

Johnny Walker beats Black Label knock-off

Posted by Joel Martinsen, November 27, 2008 8:12 PM
JDM081127walker.jpg
Borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry

Diageo, the owner of the Johnny Walker liquor brand, has been awarded 1.25 million yuan in an intellectual infringement lawsuit. China Daily reports:

In 2006, Diageo Brands B.V. and its Shanghai branch found Blueblood (Shanghai) Wine Co had used a packaging similar to that of its Black Label on a whisky named Polonius, and lodged a complaint to the local commerce bureau.

Blueblood was fined but continued to use the packaging. So Diageo filed a suit with the Shanghai No 2 Intermediate People's Court, demanding 2 million yuan compensation.

According to the verdict, Diageo owns Jonnie Walker, a Scotch whisky created in 1820. The whisky is sold in 150 cities in China, and achieves sales revenue of 320 million yuan a year.

So that's good for the Black Label. What about the red?

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There are currently 3 Comments for Johnny Walker beats Black Label knock-off.

Comments on Johnny Walker beats Black Label knock-off

Good news for Diageo, good news for China, and good news for all the honest whisky drinkers.

Now we got the booze settled, someone go sue the Kaixinwangs (china Facebooks)

Posted by: uln | November 27, 2008 9:15 PM

What about the bottle of Johnnie Worker Red Labial I saw for sale in Urumqi?

Posted by: Chinamatt | November 27, 2008 10:41 PM

Thank god! I only want the purest Johnnie Walker Blue watered down with sweet green tea.

Posted by: bocaj | November 28, 2008 1:55 PM

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