BBC accuses Beijing company of trademark infringement

The British Broadcasting Corporation is accusing a Beijing-based company, iYuba, of infringing on its trademark.

The BBC is demanding compensation of 500,000 yuan (around 79,600 USD).

[File photo: jwview.com]

iYuba, which provides learning materials for English and Japanese-language learners, has also been accused by the BBC of unfair competition. 

The Haidian District People's Court in Beijing has accepted the case.

BBC notes in the lawsuit that it registered the "BBC" trademark in China in the 1980s, and argues it has the exclusive right to use the trademark on about 60 kinds of products and services, including downloadable video, audio and photo files online. 

The suit also claims that iYuba has been using the "BBC" trademark illegally in its promotions, arguing that it appears the BBC has been collaborating with the company, which it notes that it has not been.

BBC's suit also says it sent numerous cease-and-desist letters to iYuba.