Michael Jordan sues Chinese company for improper use of his name

Michael Jordan sues Chinese company for improper use of his name

    Former NBA basketball legend Michael Jordan has filed a suit against a Chinese sportswear and shoe manufacturer，Qiaodan Sports Company Limited for "unauthorized use" of his name and identity, his attorney said recently. The conflict of celebrity name right and interest of enterprise trademark right again becomes the center of attention.

   “There’s no doubt that Qiaodan Sports’ hold the trademark legally, whether or not it violates Jordan’s name right will be determined by the court. But, one thing should be noted that copying the names of famous sports players and other celebrities for product branding purposes will be discouraged and no one should be free-riders. In the long-run, a business will get more kicks than half pennies if they are the free-riders. In this case, the public will know that Michael Jordan has nothing to do with this company and this will attract particular resentment among the consumers.” said professor Zhang Weijun from TongJi University.

(From China Report Intellectual Property)