Louis Vuitton Wins ¥10.3 Million Trademark Suit Against Chinese Tea Chain Molly Tea

A Shanghai court ruled in favor of Louis Vuitton in a trademark dispute with Chinese tea chain Molly Tea, awarding the French luxury house ¥10.3 million (approximately US$1.5 million) in damages. The case centered on Molly Tea's use of a four-petal flower logo that Louis Vuitton argued infringed on its own registered trademark.

While the court upheld Louis Vuitton's claim under trademark law, the contested motif bears a striking resemblance to an ancient decorative pattern found in Chinese gardens. Known as louchuang, the four-petal flower design has been a staple in classical Chinese architecture for centuries, notably appearing in Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden and other heritage sites.

The lawsuit has sparked wider debate about cultural heritage and intellectual property, with some observers noting the irony that a Western luxury brand's monogram echoes a traditional Chinese motif. Trademark law protects registered logos regardless of historical origins, but the case highlights tensions between global brand protection and shared cultural symbols.

The louchuang technique remains a living tradition in Chinese garden design, serving as a reminder of the country's enduring aesthetic legacy. The judgment, while a commercial victory for Louis Vuitton, also underscores the complex interplay between commercial trademarks and historical patterns.