New Balance won a significant trademark infringement lawsuit in China against Chinese firm Qiuzhi Footwear. In 2002, New Balance discovered a group calling itself “American New Barlun Limited” conducting business in China and promoting a relationship with the “American New Balance” company. New Barlun was using trademarks which were similar to New Balance. The company began selling franchises and opening retail stores throughout China. New Balance took immediate action, working with Chinas Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC) with limited success.
In 2003, New Balance discovered that New Barlun was a front established in Hong Kong by a Chinese company called Qiuzhi Footwear. New Balance then sued Qiuzhi in the court of Hangzhou. Harley Lewin, of Greenberg Traurig LLP, coordinated the legal battle on behalf of New Balance. After almost three years of litigation, the Court agreed with New Balances arguments and found Qiuzhi liable to New Balance for trademark infringement and unfair competition. The court awarded New Balance a monetary award of ¥600,000 ($75,000) and ordered Qiuzhi to stop producing its “New Barlun” athletic shoes.
