Japanese beverage giant Suntory has sued a Chinese alcopops maker Rio for copyright infringement and unfair competition, The Beijing News reported Tuesday.
As early as last September, Rio was accused of plagiarizing packaging and advertising concepts from Suntory’s Horoyoi line as well as Kirin’s Chu-Hi drinks. The copyright lawsuit, filed in Beijing, asks the Chinese company for 3 million yuan ($475,000) compensation. Suntory’s China representative previously told media that Rio’s copies could cause tremendous losses for Suntory as the company is yet to launch its Horoyoi line in China.
A Rio customer service representative told The Beijing News that the company had not suspended sales of the products in question. (Image: Taobao)
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