Schneider Electric Prevails In 40 Million Yuan Trademark Dispute Against Schneider Elevator

• Published date: 02 April 2024
• Subject Matter: Intellectual Property, Trademark
• Law Firm: AFD China
• Author: AFD China Intellectual Property

Schneider Electric SE's Chinese unit has secured a victory in a trademark dispute against Jiangsu-based Chinese elevator manufacturer, Schneider Elevator, culminating in a 40 million yuan penalty for trademark infringement and unfair competition.

The Jiangsu High People's Court, in its second-instance judgment on February 7, upheld the initial ruling by the Suzhou Intermediate People's Court, which found Schneider Elevator guilty of trademark infringement and unfair competition. As a result, Schneider Electric was awarded 40 million yuan in compensation.

Schneider Electric's lawsuit argued that its "Schneider" and "施耐德 (Chinese translation of Schneider)" marks enjoy well-known trademark status. Schneider Elevator's unauthorized use of these marks constituted trademark infringement, while its incorporation of "Schneider" in its company name and utilization of domain names like www.schneider-elevator.cn and www.schneider-elevator.com were deemed unfair competition...