Reverse Confusion In China: Michael Kors Ordered Not To Use Its MK Logos Standing Alone

Luxury brand Michael Kors has been enjoined from using its MK logos standing alone because the MK mark had been previously registered by a local Chinese handbag factory according to a recent ruling by China's Zhejiang High Court, which affirmed a lower court's decision.

Shantou City Chenghai District Jian Fa Handbag Crafting Factory ("JF Factory") is a sole proprietorship owned by a Chinese individual, Tang Jianzhong. JF Factory started selling purses and other craft goods in 1993 and registered the word mark MK (which it said stood for Magnificent Knight) for handbags with the China Trademark Office in 1999. The Court found that JF Factory has done a small but steady business exporting clothing, purses, and similar goods decorated with pearls under the MK word mark from China to the Middle East, Greece, and Japan.