Louis Vuitton applies for summary judgment in the infringement case against ValueMax | Lianhe Zaobao

The French luxury goods group Louis Vuitton has applied to the court for a summary judgment regarding trademark infringement and false designation lawsuits against the subsidiary of the local listed company ValueMax Group. A summary judgment is a legal mechanism. When the plaintiff applies for a summary judgment, if the court finds that the plaintiff's claims are valid and the defendant has no reasonable defense, the court can directly issue a judgment in favor of the plaintiff. However, if the defendant can demonstrate a reasonable defense or point of contention, the case will continue to be heard and enter formal trial proceedings. In response to Louis Vuitton's application for a summary judgment, ValueMax Group's Director Manager (Retail and Trade) Yao Lizhen replied to inquiries from Lianhe Zaobao, stating that the company will oppose this application, but the case is still ongoing, and she is not in a position to comment further. The summary judgment application will be heard on January 6. In September of this year, Louis Vuitton initiated a lawsuit against ValueMax Retail, a subsidiary of ValueMax Group, accusing it of selling jewelry with the same or similar trademarks as Louis Vuitton in its retail store on Yishun Street 22 in July and August 2024. Additionally, Louis Vuitton alleged that the store sold a gold pendant on August 5, 2025, and also promoted a pair of gold earrings. ValueMax Retail denied these allegations. ValueMax Group, the parent company of ValueMax Retail, announced on December 18 on the Singapore Exchange that the group will actively and vigorously respond to all claims and take all necessary measures to protect its reputation. Further Reading ValueMax Group takes all measures to protect its reputation after being sued by Louis Vuitton Louis Vuitton sues ValueMax Group for selling counterfeit jewelry ValueMax explained that these gold ornaments and gold earrings are items obtained through other channels as pawned goods. When the pawner fails to redeem the pawned items or pay interest within the agreed period, the pawnshop has the right to convert the collateral into its own assets and dispose of or sell them, a status known as pawned goods. Louis Vuitton, under the Trademarks Act, is seeking statutory damages from ValueMax Retail. According to the Trademarks Act, the compensation for each trademark infringement of goods or services is up to 100,000 yuan, with a total maximum of 1 million yuan, unless the claimant can prove actual losses exceeding 1 million yuan. Louis Vuitton has also applied to the High Court for an injunction to prevent ValueMax Retail from infringing on the Louis Vuitton trademark, counterfeiting or attempting to counterfeit the company's products as Louis Vuitton products, and falsely claiming an economic connection or relationship with Louis Vuitton. ValueMax Retail has denied these allegations, stating that the markings on the relevant products are different from Louis Vuitton's trademark and not similar. The company also refuted claims that it is a direct competitor of Louis Vuitton, as its business nature differs from that of Louis Vuitton. ValueMax Retail engages in the buying and selling of second-hand gold jewelry and gemstones, luxury watches, and designer handbags, acquiring goods from various sources, including second-hand dealers, pawnshops, and consumers