Michael Jordan Wins Big in 9-Year China Trademark Battle

January 05, 2021 | BY

Vincent Chow

After almost a decade, Michael Jordan has finally secured a major victory in his protracted legal battle against a Chinese sportswear company over the use of his name.

Michael Jordan                                                      Former NBA star Michael Jordan / Photo: Charles Rex Arbogast, Associated Press)

Michael Jordan has finally come out on top in his near decade-long lawsuit against a Chinese sportswear company, which bears his name in Chinese.

On Dec. 30, 2020, the Shanghai No. 2 Intermediate People's Court ruled that Qiaodan Sports has violated the American basketball legend's name rights. Jordan's transliterated name in Chinese is "Qiaodan." The court determined that Qiaodan Sports has been fully aware of Jordan's fame and Chinese name but still used that name on its products without Jordan's permission, misleading the public as a result.

This premium content is reserved for
China Law & Practice Subscribers.

  • A database of over 3,000 essential documents including key PRC legislation translated into English
  • A choice of newsletters to alert you to changes affecting your business including sector specific updates
  • Premium access to the mobile optimized site for timely analysis that guides you through China's ever-changing business environment
For enterprise-wide or corporate enquiries, please contact our experienced Sales Professionals at +44 (0)203 868 7546 or [email protected]