Overview
- The Suzhou Intermediate People’s Court found Molly Tea’s black four‑petal logo infringed seven of Louis Vuitton’s registered floral trademarks and ordered about 10.3 million yuan in damages and costs.
- The judgment requires Molly Tea to stop using the disputed emblem and publish corrective statements on its website and social accounts while the decision remains open to appeal.
- Molly Tea’s founder Zhang Bocheng told local media the company will challenge the ruling, so the payment and injunction will only take effect after the 30‑day appeal period if the court’s decision is upheld.
- The chain’s rapid growth — nearly 2,400 stores across hundreds of Chinese cities and outlets overseas — raises practical and financial risks for franchisees, with at least one local outlet held jointly liable in the court papers.
- The case highlights how Chinese courts can protect famous foreign trademarks across different industries and has prompted a public debate over whether floral motifs are cultural heritage or proprietary brand marks.