Court: Guangzhou IP Court (2023)
Facts: A Zhongshan lighting technology company (Company C) held an industrial design patent for an LED ceiling lamp featuring a distinctive ring-shaped light strip and diamond grille design, which became a market hit. Another lighting company (Company D) produced and sold an identical lamp that, except for minor dimensional differences, matched Company C's patent in overall shape and light strip layout. Company C sued for patent infringement. Company D argued the accused design was functional and not aesthetic, hence unprotectable.
Holding:
(1) The combination of the ring-shaped light strip and diamond grille had clear aesthetic effect, going beyond what was necessary to achieve the lighting function;
(2) The accused product was similar to the patented design and fell within the scope of protection;
(3) The court ordered Company D to stop infringement and pay 800,000 RMB, including economic losses and reasonable enforcement costs.
Significance:
· Clarifies the functional-versus-aesthetic standard for industrial design patents, providing clear legal guidance for the Zhongshan lighting industry cluster;
· Balances innovation protection and competition, guiding companies to enhance core competitiveness through independent design.