The Changping district court fined a local maker of cooking spices 100,000 yuan ($15,800) for violating the trademark rights of COFCO, China's largest food manufacturer.

The defendant, Beijing Xianhechu Seasoning Plant, admitted it had no business arrangement with COFCO, but argued that "many dealers use the trademark because products with COFCO labels have much better sales". The company has lodged an appeal of the verdict.

(Source: China Daily)