The makers of a Chinese-medicine diarrhoea pill, said to have been labelled a 'state treasure' by Beijing, are seeking a court injunction to protect a 260-year-old reputation.
The purported health-promoting properties of products by Lei Yunshang Medicine Group Co. (Suzhou) are partly derived from the recipes of mainland doctor Lei Dashen - alias Yun Shang - who founded his medicine business in 1734, the company claims in a High Court writ.
Among its products is a medicine called Liu Shen Wan, used to stop diarrhoea and calm babies. The medicine won three gold medals on the mainland and has been classified a 'state treasure' by the central Government, the company claims.
Together with its subsidiary, Suzhou Lei Yun Shang Pharmaceutical Factory, the company is seeking an injunction against Lei Yun Shang Chinese Medical (HK) Co. Ltd for alleged trademark infringement and 'misrepresentation' in the marketplace.
It alleges the defendant company has tried to pass off its products as those of the 260-year-old manufacturer since February 19, 1997, when it became a limited company in Hong Kong.
Both plaintiffs seek an injunction to stop the alleged trademark infringement and win an order for the SAR firm to delete 'Lei Yun Shang' from its corporate name. They also want all 'infringing goods' removed from the company and seek damages and costs.
