A founder of "Guochi Shanquan" recently disclosed receiving a lawsuit from Nongfu Spring Co., Ltd., according to a statement posted on September 14. The civil complaint, shared online, reveals that Nongfu Spring is seeking 150,000 yuan in economic losses and reasonable expenses under the grounds of "trademark infringement."

The complaint alleges that "Guochi Shanquan" produced and sold bottled drinking water using a logo highly similar to Nongfu Spring's trademark. It states that both marks feature three consecutive mountain peaks with a reflection in a lake below, creating a strong resemblance. Given the widespread recognition of Nongfu Spring, the company argues that average consumers could mistake the product for one of its own or assume an affiliation, thereby infringing on its trademark rights. The complaint further claims the contested products were widely distributed in the market.

Responding on social media, a partner of "Guochi Shanquan" explained that the logo design was inspired by a hill directly visible from the front door of the founder's childhood home. The partner also stressed that the product was merely an early prototype, never introduced to the market, and that samples had already been removed from circulation. Packaging adjustments were still underway, they added.

When contacted by media for a response, Nongfu Spring had not issued a comment as of the time of reporting.