Business & Politics · 6 Intermediate · July 6, 2026

Bubble Tea Company Pays Millions for Design Copy

Photo: Wikimedia Commons via Wikimedia Commons

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Vocabulary

infringe /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/ verb

to use something that belongs to another person without permission

The company decided to infringe on the trademark by copying the logo.

trademark /ˈtreɪdmɑrk/ noun

a special name, symbol, or design that identifies a company or product

The golden arches are the trademark of a famous fast food restaurant.

luxury /ˈlʌkʃəri/ adjective

expensive and high quality, made for wealthy people

Louis Vuitton is a luxury brand that sells expensive handbags.

intellectual property /ɪnˌtɛlɛkʧuəl ˈprɑpərti/ noun

something that a person or company created, like a design or idea, that they own

The patent and trademark are types of intellectual property.

petal /ˈpɛtəl/ noun

one of the colored leaf-like parts that make up a flower

A rose flower usually has many soft pink petals.

backlash /ˈbæklæʃ/ noun

a strong negative reaction from people about something

The company received backlash from customers who disagreed with their decision.

Article

A Chinese court made a big decision about a popular bubble tea company. The court said that Molly Tea copied a design belonging to Louis Vuitton, a famous luxury fashion brand. The company must now pay 1.5 million dollars as punishment for this copying.

What Design Did They Copy?

Louis Vuitton has used a special flower design with four petals as part of their brand for many years. This design is very recognizable and important to the company. Molly Tea used a similar four-petal flower design on their products and in their marketing. The court found that the bubble tea company copied this design without permission.

Why This Decision Matters

This case shows that big companies protect their designs carefully. Even a small business cannot use designs that belong to famous brands. The court's decision sends a message to other companies about respecting intellectual property rights. Many people discussed this case online and in the news.

What People Are Saying

Some people think the punishment is fair. They say that companies should create their own original designs. Other people believe the money amount is too high for a smaller business. People have different opinions about how serious this type of copying really is.

What Happens Next

Molly Tea must pay the money to Louis Vuitton. The company will probably change their design so it looks different. This case reminds all businesses that they need to be careful about their branding and designs. Companies must do their own research before creating new logos and decorations.

Discussion Questions

Do you think 1.5 million dollars is a fair punishment for copying a design? Why or why not?
Have you ever seen a product that copies a famous brand's design? Describe what you observed.
How important is it for companies to have original designs and logos? What happens if they do not?
Should smaller companies be punished differently than large companies for the same mistake?
What would you do if someone copied your original idea or design without asking permission?

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