Luckin Coffee Wins Lawsuit in Thailand, Awarded Over 95 Million Baht

Luckin Coffee, the Chinese coffee chain, has secured a victory in a lawsuit filed in Thailand against a local entity for trademark infringement. The Court of Appeals for Special Cases in Thailand upheld the initial ruling on July 8, affirming that the defendant, Thailand's Royal 50R Group, had engaged in malicious trademark squatting and infringement.

The court's order mandates the cancellation of the defendant's registered Luckin trademarks and permanently prohibits the use of "LUCKIN COFFEE," "瑞幸咖啡," or the deer head logo in coffee-related business activities. The defendant is required to pay over 95 million Thai baht (approximately $2.6 million USD) in damages, including base damages of 10 million baht and ongoing daily damages calculated from March 4, 2024.

This ruling is significant as it represents the first instance where Thai judicial authorities have formally recognized the concept of "malicious trademark squatting." The case originated in early 2022 when reports surfaced of "fake" Luckin Coffee stores in Thailand, featuring slightly altered logos. Luckin Coffee initiated legal proceedings in 2021, navigating through an initial win, a subsequent loss, and a counterclaim from the defendant seeking 10 billion baht. The final judgment prohibits the defendant from utilizing Luckin Coffee's brand or associated trademarks in future coffee ventures within Thailand and imposes a substantial financial penalty.