Tribunal rejects Danone request against Wahaha

An arbitration tribunal in Stockholm ruled against French beverage maker Danone’s request that Wahaha, its Chinese partner, limit its business outside their joint venture while the two companies resolve their trademark disputes in Sweden, the South China Morning Post reported. The dispute involves accusations from Danone that Wahaha of setting up parallel businesses to sell products developed by their joint ventures. The court struck down Danone’s request that Wahaha not increase production at its businesses outside the two companies’ joint ventures or start any new companies, as well as a request that all Wahaha-made goods be sold through the joint venture. Following the court’s ruling on these interim matters, the companies are now awaiting the court’s decision on their dispute.