【西街观察】投机的商标“创新”可以休矣

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the trend of deceptive trademark strategies in the food industry, particularly in instant noodles and other products, where companies use misleading branding to create consumer confusion and enhance perceived value [1][2][3]. Group 1: Trademark Strategies - Companies are increasingly adopting creative and misleading trademark strategies, such as "more than half" or "zero additives," to attract consumers and differentiate their products [1][2]. - The use of trademarks has shifted from protecting legitimate rights to becoming a tool for unfair competition, leading to a decline in consumer trust over time [3]. Group 2: Consumer Perception - Consumers are frustrated by the clever manipulation of trademarks that create a false sense of product value, leading to a cognitive dissonance when selecting products [2][3]. - The ambiguity in product labeling and branding contributes to a lack of clarity regarding the actual quality and health benefits of products, such as "free-range eggs" versus regular eggs [3]. Group 3: Regulatory Response - In March 2023, the National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation issued new food safety standards prohibiting the use of terms like "no additives" on pre-packaged food labels, effective from March 16, 2027 [3]. - This regulatory change indicates a move towards addressing the issues of misleading marketing practices in the food industry [4].