Of course, this is reminiscent of another story about perfume in Champagne*… The protection of the Champagne appellation has just reached a historic milestone in China thanks to the recent decision of the Beijing High Court. In a significant trial, the
Comité Champagne
has won its case against a Chinese manufacturer and distributor of perfumes marketed under the name “Champagne Life”. After an initial judgment that had already recognized the distinctive and well-known character of the name Champagne, the High Court confirmed this status, thus strengthening the position of the appellation on the Chinese market.
The Court’s verdict is final: the two Chinese companies incriminated must immediately cease all production, sale and distribution of the perfumes in question. In addition, they are ordered to pay nearly 30,000 euros in damages to the Comité Champagne, as punishment for the infringement of the appellation.
This judgment is hailed as a major legal victory for the protection of appellations of origin. Indeed, the status of “notorious name” conferred on Champagne ensures it extensive legal protection, even beyond wine products, prohibiting the use of the name for any product without exception, including when it is transcribed in Chinese characters. This level of recognition is rare and demonstrates the importance given to the preservation of geographical indications and intellectual property.
The decision is all the more remarkable as Champagne thus becomes the first foreign appellation of origin to benefit from such protection in China. This marks a turning point for French producers who see their rights and heritage respected and protected in a market as important and complex as that of China.
The impact of this judgment reverberates well beyond the specific case of “Champagne Life” perfumes, as it establishes a strong legal precedent. It paves the way for better recognition of appellations of controlled origin and could inspire similar decisions in other sectors and jurisdictions.
*
Yves Saint Laurent’s “Champagne” perfume, launched in 1993, was renamed “Yvresse” following a legal dispute with the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC), which protects the Champagne appellation. The latter considered that using the name “Champagne” for a perfume could mislead consumers and harm the image of the appellation.