A Chinese court ruled that a character trademark filed by a Fujian Province-based sporting goods company was invalid due to its similarity to the title character in the Japanese manga Doraemon.
The manga inspired three television anime series that have collectively lasted over three decades, television specials, and yearly anime films.
Animation International, the Shanghai-based company that owns the Doraemon license, filed a complaint the following year, and China’s Trademark Review and Adjudication Board ruled that the trademark was invalid.
Jiqimao filed a lawsuit to protest the decision in January, reportedly claiming that its image does not sufficiently resemble Doraemon.