In recent times, the well-known Japanese household goods brand “MUJI” has faced a significant setback in China. This is due to the trademark of MUJI being registered by a Chinese company, resulting in products like towels and bed sheets not being able to use the “MUJI” trademark in China. Recently, the Supreme People’s Court of China rejected the request for retrial by Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd., leading to a thorough defeat for the company. As a result, MUJI has been forced to close multiple stores across mainland China.
According to Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd., a local Chinese enterprise was the first to register the MUJI trademark. In June of this year, the Supreme People’s Court of China rejected the request for retrial by the Japanese company, and Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. has now completely lost the case. For products like towels and bed sheets, categorized as “Class 24,” they are unable to use the “MUJI” trademark within China and can only use the MUJI brand moving forward.
MUJI’s brand was born in Japan in 1980 with the creative concept of “good products without a label.” The brand’s original intention was to simplify the production process and create minimalist, comfortable, and affordable products. Embracing the concept of “MUJI” and adding the value of “good products,” they offered products that contrasted sharply with mainstream styles, showcasing their unique charm that not only captivated Japan but also resonated globally.
Since the 1990s, MUJI expanded to over 30 countries worldwide and currently operates more than 1000 stores globally, offering over 7000 products ranging from clothing, household goods, food, to furniture.
MUJI officially entered the Chinese market in 2005. However, the MUJI trademark had already been registered by a Beijing company in 2000, a fact unbeknownst to MUJI until later on.
In 2018, a trademark dispute emerged between Japanese MUJI and Beijing MUJI. Despite lengthy legal battles, the claims of Japanese MUJI did not receive support from Chinese courts. The recent ruling by the Supreme People’s Court of China regarding the “Class 24” MUJI trademark has put an end to the controversy.
Some netizens pointed out that when Japanese MUJI registered its brand in China, they did not include the textile category. Subsequently, a company in Beijing registered the “MUJI natural mill” trademark within that category. After numerous legal battles, the official MUJI brand lost to the imitated version.
Recently, MUJI has been closing stores in various locations in China. According to reports from mainland media, MUJI stores in Shanghai Pujiang Huansong, Sanlitun Shimao Gong San, Suzhou Taihua, Yantai Zhenhua Commercial Building, Changsha Bofu International Plaza, and several other locations have announced closures. Throughout this year, MUJI has also withdrawn from Jinan, Wuhan, and other cities, with some stores having operated for nearly a decade.
There have been reports of “store closure notices” being posted at the MUJI Sanlitun Shimao Gong San store, where clearance sales with discounts ranging from 60% to 80% off are ongoing. The store will officially cease operations on August 31st.