Court dismisses TCP's claims against Red Bull China distributor

The Changsha Intermediate People's Court has dismissed all trademark infringement claims brought by Thailand’s TCP Group against a Red Bull China distributor, according to an official statement issued by Red Bull China on Tuesday.

The statement detailed that TCP Group filed a lawsuit in 2021 against Red Bull China's Changsha distributor, Huaxia Sugar & Wine Co., Ltd., with the intent to disrupt the lawful business operations of Red Bull China's partners.

On July 29, the Changsha Intermediate People's Court rendered a judgment rejecting all claims made by TCP Group. The court's ruling affirmed key findings from China's Supreme People's Court on August 31, 2023, which emphasized the validity of the 50-year exclusive trademark license agreement submitted by Red Bull China.

The court concluded that TCP Group lacked sufficient and effective evidence to substantiate its claims of trademark infringement. As a result, TCP Group's claims were dismissed.

Disputes between TCP Group and Red Bull China date back to 2016, with TCP Group initiating several rounds of lawsuits in multiple Chinese courts, alleging infringement of its "Red Bull" trademark. Red Bull China has consistently argued that it holds a 50-year exclusive use right to the "Red Bull" trademark based on a 1995 trademark license agreement between the two parties.

The latest judgment by the Changsha Intermediate People's Court supports Red Bull China's argument regarding its 50-year exclusive use right to the "Red Bull" trademark.