Michael Jordan Scores $46,000 From Chinese Knockoff Brand
After a years-long battle with Chinese knockoff brand Qiaodan, Michael Jordan has scored $46,000 for “emotional damages,” plus $7,600 to go towards fulfilling his legal expenses.
The battle dates back to 2012, when Jordan first sued the company for using his name, and includes at least 80 lawsuits. In Spring 2019, the Supreme People’s Court in China ruled in his favor, prohibiting the company from using the Chinese translation of Jordan’s name on future products. Per Variety, a Shanghai court ruled last week that Qiaodan used Jordan’s name and likeness for years without his authorization, all while misleading consumers to believe that their products were officially linked to the NBA legend.
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Despite Qiaodan having to fork over the $46,000 owed for “emotional damages” and the $7,600 for MJ’s legal expenses, it’s noted that the court can’t order the company to completely cease using Jordan’s name entirely as the country’s trademark laws note there’s a five-year window for registered trademarks to dispute claims.
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