Chinese state-run firm sues Nagano firm over use of trademark

Asian Economic News, Feb 12, 2001

OSAKA, Feb. 9 Kyodo

Chinese state-run Ceroilfood Shandong Cereals and Oils Import and Export Co. said Friday it has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in Japan against Chikuma Fresh Co., a small food company based in Nagano Prefecture.

Under the lawsuit filed with the Nagoya District Court, the Chinese company based in Qingdao, northeastern China, urges Chikuma to stop selling its peanut product which it says unlawfully uses its trademark KINUS.

The Chinese company argues that it has been damaged by Chikuma's KINUS peanut product, which it says is also a Chinese product but is of a different kind and about 30% cheaper than the Chinese company's product.

Chikuma's KINUS peanut products are sold in Tokyo, Nagoya and the Keihanshin area, which includes Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe.

In the suit, the Chinese company is also urging Chikuma to stop selling what it claims are false KINUS peanut products.

The Chinese company also suspects about 10 other Japanese companies are unlawfully using the trademark KINUS, saying it is regrettable that Japanese consumers have bought false, poor-quality products, mistaking them for the company's KINUS peanut products.

Chikuma admitted to selling its products under the KINUS brand but declined to comment on the suit.

The first hearing will be held at the court March 5.