Castrol claims trademark infringement

Castrol Ltd. is seeking RMB1 million (US$146,337.90) and a public apology from a private company owner for infringing its trademark and company name. Accused of selling products bearing Castrol’s trademark is Chinese businessman Yao Yuxin from Zhejiang Province, owner of U.S.A. Jiashiduo International Petroleum Group (Hong Kong) Ltd. and Ningbo Yinzhou Jiashuai Lubricating Oil Factory. Also accused was Zhou Zhaohong, who runs a local scooter repair shop. The defendants were absent from their May hearing. Thus,a local courts have yet to decide on the case.Castrol said the name was recognized as a famous trademark in China by a market watchdog last year. (May 21, 2009)