Molly Tea Ordered to Pay $1.5M to Louis Vuitton Over Trademark Infringement

On July 6, 2026, popular Chinese tea chain Molly Tea was ordered by a court in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, to pay damages of 10.3 million yuan (approximately $1.5 million) to Louis Vuitton after it was found guilty of infringing on the luxury brand's trademark. The court determined that Molly Tea's logo closely resembled Louis Vuitton's renowned four-petal flower design, sparking significant public debate regarding intellectual property rights.

Molly Tea's Logo Controversy

The ruling has ignited a heated discussion online, with a hashtag related to the case amassing over 400 million views on Chinese social media platforms. Many users have rallied in support of Molly Tea, arguing that the logo's design is not unique to Louis Vuitton and reflects common geometric shapes used throughout history.

According to China Daily, the court's decision mandated that Molly Tea cease using the logo, issue a public apology, and fulfill the financial compensation. Reports suggest that Molly Tea had previously attempted to register multiple trademarks, all of which were rejected by the China National Intellectual Property Administration.

Public Reaction to the Ruling

Responses to the ruling have been mixed. Supporters of Molly Tea's logo have pointed out that many Western luxury brands draw inspiration from traditional Chinese designs. One user on the platform Weibo expressed their support by stating, "I will drink a cup of Molly Tea daily to show my support for the company."

Conversely, some users have sided with Louis Vuitton, asserting that the company has a right to protect its intellectual property. A Weibo user commented, "Those who back Molly Tea's design should study law first," emphasizing that Louis Vuitton's logo was legally registered.

The Broader Implications for Intellectual Property in China

This case highlights ongoing challenges in China's intellectual property landscape, where many brands face difficulties in trademark registration and enforcement. The ruling has prompted discussions about the need for stronger protections for original designs and the consequences of copyright infringement.

• Molly Tea's damages: 10.3 million yuan ($1.5 million)
• Location of court: Suzhou, Jiangsu province
• Social media impact: 400 million views on related hashtag

This incident may influence how Chinese businesses approach branding and trademark registration, potentially leading to more robust measures for protecting their intellectual property in the future.