Danone has insisted its Chinese beverage venture still controls the Wahaha trademark despite a local arbitration court ruling in favour of its estranged business partner.

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The Hangzhou Arbitration Commission said today (10 December) that the period under which Danone could file its case against Wahaha had lapsed.


The French food and beverage giant has accused Wahaha of breaching their agreement by selling drinks under the Wahaha brand without permission.


In June, Wahaha applied for a local arbitration panel to settle the dispute, which today backed the Chinese firm.


“We are shocked by the result, simply because this was made after the key evidence presented by Hangzhou Wahaha Group for its arbitration request was completely rejected by the fundamental facts of the matter,” Danone told just-food.

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“This verdict does not mean the brand can be legally used by any party other than Danone Wahaha joint venture,” added Danone, which plans to appeal.