CHINA: Diageo wins Johnnie Walker piracy case

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 27 November 2008

Diageo has confirmed reports that it has won a piracy case in China.

A court in Shanghai found in favour of Diageo earlier this week, ordering Blueblood (Shanghai) Wine Co. to pay CNY1.23m (US$180,100) for copying the packaging of Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky for its Polonius brand.

The Chinese company had previously been fined after Diageo lodged a complaint to a local commerce bureau two years ago, but had continued to use the packaging and sold about 37,000 bottles, China Daily reported today (27 November).

A spokesperson for Diageo confirmed the victory to just-drinks today, but was unable to provide further details.

Sectors: Spirits

Companies: Diageo, Johnnie Walker