Zhong Guo Ji Jin Bao·2025-10-17 07:02Core Points - The recent court ruling in the unfair competition dispute between China's dairy giants Yili and Mengniu has concluded, with the Jiangsu Provincial High Court upholding the original judgment, ordering Mengniu to cease its unfair competition practices and compensate Yili 5 million yuan [1][4]. Summary by Sections Legal Dispute - The case primarily revolves around the packaging design similarities between Yili's "Jindian" pure milk and Mengniu's "Selected Pasture" pure milk, which Yili claims constitutes substantial imitation [3][4]. - Yili upgraded the packaging of "Jindian" in 2020, establishing a high-end brand image, while Mengniu's similar packaging was launched in late 2023, leading to Yili's lawsuit in May 2024 [3][4]. Court Findings - The court ruled that while individual elements like green, pastures, and cows are common in the industry, the unique combination of these elements in Yili's packaging is legally protected [4]. - The court noted that Mengniu's failure to prominently display its well-known brand name further increased the likelihood of consumer confusion [4]. Financial Impact - The court ordered Mengniu to pay Yili a total of 5 million yuan for economic losses and reasonable expenses incurred to stop the infringement, while rejecting Yili's request for a public statement to mitigate the impact [4]. - Yili's "Jindian" pure milk sales from 2021 to mid-2024 totaled 6.458 billion yuan, with a market share of 11.33%, compared to Mengniu's 0.13% for "Selected Pasture" during the same period [5]. Industry Context - Both Yili and Mengniu are leading players in China's dairy industry, with Yili reporting a revenue of 61.777 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, a 3.49% increase year-on-year, while Mengniu's revenue was 41.567 billion yuan, a 6.9% decline [5]. - The ruling sends a strong message about the importance of brand, quality, and innovation in market competition, emphasizing the need for companies to protect their innovative achievements and adhere to competitive regulations [5].