US’ Panda Express says it’s black and white: eatery bearing resemblance in China is fake
- American fast food chain to consider legal action against restaurant in Kunming to protect its intellectual property
- Chinese version, whose logo is a near replica of that of the US firm, is closed as shopping centre investigates
The US fast food chain, which serves American-style Chinese cuisine, said it would consider taking legal action, while the Kunming restaurant – which has an almost identical panda logo – was closed and the management of its landlord, Chenggong Seazen Wuyue Plaza, told news portal Thepaper.cn it was reviewing the outlet’s credentials.
The Chinese version’s listing on food review portal Dianping said its operations were suspended. The restaurant declined to take calls on Thursday from the South China Morning Post.
In an official statement sent to the Post, Panda Restaurant Group – the US company – said: “This restaurant is not affiliated in any way with Panda Express and Panda Restaurant Group. We have trademarked the Panda Express name and likeness in China for use by Panda Restaurant Group.”
It said the group would “consider all legal actions” to protect its intellectual property rights.
On Monday, the China Cuisine Association had issued a notice on behalf of Andrew Cherng, co-founder and co-chief executive of Panda Restaurant Group, saying the Chinese outlet was an imitation and advising the public not to be misled.