International & World Report

It all started when Carrefour has undertaken an extensive market study on the area of Fuyang in Anhui Province (eastern China). The group then found that some 160 supermarkets already sported the logo, said the official news agency Xinhua (New China).

In reality, these stores are in the distribution chain Anhui China Jiali, founded in 2002 and located in the region of Fuyang. The official Chinese name of Carrefour translating phonetically 'Jialefu, "the French group has found that its local rival had usurped its name and logo. And decided to enter the Chinese justice.

"A trial is taking place, but we can not say more because it is being" told AFP a Carrefour spokesman on condition of anonymity, confirming information reported by Xinhua.

Nearly 700,000 euros in damages

According to the Chinese agency, accused Carrefour Jiali Anhui and its affiliates have used a logo similar to the blue of the French group in China on his signs, his bags, his labels and receipts. Carrefour asked his rival to change its logo and to pay six million yuan (698,500 euros) in damages. The trial began Aug. 18 in the capital of Anhui Province, Hefei.

Anhui Jiali rejects accusations. The group recalled that he had changed his name before the filing of a complaint from Carrefour. At its inception in 2002, in fact, the supermarket chain was registered under the name "Anhui Fuyang Jialefu Business and Trade Co., Ltd.." Said the Chinese agency. The group changed its name by replacing "Jialefu" by "Jiali" in August 2009.

At that time, the chain had already opened more than 160 supermarkets in the area of Fuyang.But under its original name … For the local company, the logo of Carrefour China – which means "happy family" – does not have the distinctive attributes of a trademark. Faced with these arguments, it will be the Chinese court to decide.

On August 11, Carrefour announced the opening of its 160th hypermarket in China in the city of Liaoyang.

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