Patent infringement controversy to Hite Jinro's TERRA

Hite Jinro's TERRA, eventually proceeding legal process?

The beer ' TERRA', a beer brand developed by Hite Jinro, Korea 's No. 1 beer brand, has become an issue due to the controversy over patent infringement. Negotiations were underway between the original patentee, Mr. Jung and Hite Jinro after the controversy argued that the shape of the newly launched beer container in six years violated the patent rights of Mr. Jung already registered. It’s prospected that negotiations will not progress as the both party has been insisting on its own positions, leading to legal disputes.

Hitejinro.com

Issued beer bottle patent

Mr. Jung's application is registered as a patent that has a spiral pattern at the top and it is recognized that the contents can be prevented from being contaminated and discharged suddenly. On the other hand, TERRA 's bottle shape is also characterized by a helical pattern in the bottleneck. According to Hite Jinro, they said that they had carved a whirl-shaped pattern to emphasize a refreshing image. Since the launch of TERRA, Jung has seen a bottle shape through TV commercials, and the dispute has begun with Hite Jinro.

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drawing of Mr.Jung's patent

No progress of negotiations

The differences between the two parties have not narrowed over the controversy. According to Jung, He was trying to negotiate with Hite Jinro but Hite Jinro discontinued negotiations unilaterally in the interim and blocked all communication at present. Hite Jinro insisted that it’s surely misunderstanding and said that their contact was interrupted by mistake and that they will speak at the trial if the legal process proceed.

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The final legal process in the end?

Both party have not made any progress in negotiations, and both Hite Jinro and Jung have expressed their position that they will not step back with the legal dispute in mind, and the results of both are expected to be covered by the court. According to the result, it may be necessary to change the shape of the bottle. In particular, in the case of the controversy, it is likely that it’s going to take a while to conclude if a lawsuit is filed because this issue is combined design with patent.