Core Viewpoint - The resignation of Zong Fuli from Wahaha Group marks a significant shift in the company's leadership and highlights ongoing disputes over trademark ownership and usage rights, particularly concerning the "Wahaha" brand [2][6][11]. Group 1: Resignation Details - Zong Fuli officially resigned from all positions at Wahaha Group on September 12, 2025, with the resignation confirmed by the group [2]. - The resignation was reportedly influenced by ongoing disagreements among shareholders regarding the use of the "Wahaha" trademark, which is owned by Wahaha Group rather than Zong Fuli's family [3][6]. - Zong Fuli's resignation is seen as a necessary step to avoid conflicts of interest, particularly as her family business, Hongsheng Group, seeks to launch a competing brand, "Wawaizong" [3][5]. Group 2: Leadership Transition - Speculation surrounds the potential successor to Zong Fuli, with reports suggesting Xu Simin, the former legal head of Hongsheng Group, as a candidate [4]. - Xu Simin has held various positions within Wahaha Group since Zong Fuli took over, indicating a close association with the company's core operations [4]. Group 3: Trademark and Brand Strategy - The resignation is part of a broader strategy to address historical issues related to trademark ownership, with Zong Fuli's departure facilitating a clearer separation between Wahaha Group and her personal brand initiatives [6][8]. - Wahaha Group plans to transition to a new brand, "Wawaizong," starting from the 2026 sales year due to unresolved legal risks associated with the "Wahaha" trademark [7][8]. - The brand value of "Wahaha" was estimated at approximately 91.187 billion yuan in 2024, underscoring the significance of the trademark in the company's valuation [7]. Group 4: Historical Context - The trademark disputes surrounding "Wahaha" have persisted for nearly three decades, involving complex legal and ownership issues that have yet to be fully resolved [11][12]. - Following the death of the founder, Zong Qinghou, disputes over stock ownership and trademark rights have intensified, complicating the company's governance and strategic direction [12][13].

Core Viewpoint - The resignation of Zong Fuli from Wahaha Group marks a significant decision regarding the ownership and usage rights of the "Wahaha" trademark, reflecting ongoing internal conflicts and historical issues within the company [5][12]. Group 1: Resignation Details - Zong Fuli officially resigned from all positions at Wahaha Group on September 12, 2025, with the resignation process approved by the shareholders and board of directors [1]. - The resignation is linked to compliance issues regarding trademark usage, as Zong Fuli's other company, Hongsheng Group, intended to launch a competing brand "Wawaizong" [2][5]. - The choice to resign indicates a strategic separation between Wahaha Group and Hongsheng Group, particularly concerning brand assets [4][5]. Group 2: Trademark Ownership Issues - The "Wahaha" trademark ownership has been a contentious issue, with the trademark held by Wahaha Group rather than Zong Fuli's family, leading to conflicts over its usage [2][6]. - In 2024, the brand value of "Wahaha" was estimated at approximately 91.19 billion [6]. - Negotiations between the largest shareholder, Hangzhou Shangcheng Cultural Tourism Investment Holding Group, and Zong Fuli regarding trademark and equity transfer have stalled due to disagreements on pricing [6]. Group 3: Corporate Governance and Future Implications - Zong Fuli's resignation follows a previous attempt to resign that was not formalized, indicating a more decisive action this time [3][4]. - The internal power dynamics within Wahaha Group are shifting, especially after the passing of the founder, Zong Qinghou, leading to legal disputes over employee shareholding agreements [10]. - The introduction of a new brand "Wawaizong" is a strategic move to mitigate legal risks associated with the "Wahaha" trademark, as the company faces ongoing trademark disputes [7][12].