The largest trademark dispute concerning convenience foods came to an end

China’s first IP dispute involved with convenience foods, which has lasted for 6 years, finally came to an end before the Supreme People’s Court by settlement. As an important step forward, Sichuan Baijia Food Co., Ltd., the largest manufacturer of instant vermicelli in China or even the world, started using its new trademark of "白家陈记" (Baijiachenji)by adding two Chinese characters "陈记" to its former trademark "白家" on November 13.

However, Baijia can still legally enjoy an exclusive ownership of "白家" in instant vermicelli area according to the settlement agreement reached by both sides. Henan Baixiang Food Co., Ltd., the other side of the dispute, accordingly abandons its registered trademark "白家" covering instant foods.

Industry insiders say both sides win some and lose, but the outcome is satisfactory. It is worth pondering Baijia chosed Zhengzhou City of Henan Province—the home base of Baixiang—to launch its new trademark. According to the published data, Baijia has been producing some 200 million packages of instant vermicelli annually since it got listed 13 years ago, occupying over 50% of market shares in domestic instant vermicelli industry. [Chinese version is available on Beijing Youth Daily]