凉茶双巨头恩怨十余载，“王老吉”商标之争蔓延海外

Core Viewpoint - The trademark dispute between Wanglaoji and JDB (Jiangsu Da Bao) has escalated, reflecting the broader trend of Chinese brands seeking to expand internationally amidst a saturated domestic market [1][2][3] Trademark Dispute - The trademark battle reignited on September 30, 2025, with JDB claiming a significant victory in protecting its overseas "Wanglaoji" trademark rights [2] - Wanglaoji responded by asserting that JDB's claims were factually incorrect and emphasized its ownership of the "Wanglaoji" brand, registered in over 100 countries [2][3] - The core of the dispute lies in the territorial nature of trademark rights, with both companies engaged in legal battles over the ownership and validity of their respective trademarks [3][7] Market Expansion Strategies - Both companies are pursuing international market expansion, with JDB sponsoring cultural events and Wanglaoji launching products in Germany [4][5] - The competition for international trademark rights is seen as crucial for both brands' future growth and market positioning [4][5] Industry Context - The domestic herbal tea market is experiencing stagnation, with both companies facing competition from new beverage categories [8][9] - Wanglaoji reported a revenue of 64.99 billion yuan in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 8.38%, but this follows a significant decline in 2024 [8] - The overall herbal tea market in China has entered a period of stagnation, with a 10-year growth rate of approximately 20% since 2014 [8][9] Long-term Implications - The prolonged legal disputes have drained resources from both companies, hindering their ability to innovate and adapt to market changes [9][10] - Industry experts suggest that if both companies can reach a compromise, such as sharing trademark rights or dividing market territories, it could lead to mutual benefits and enhanced market presence [10]