Thai Coconut Brand Faces Copycat Controversy in China

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of IF Family

 

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in Thailand has voiced concerns over a Chinese brand, “TF,” mimicking the popular Thai coconut drink brand “IF.” These imitation products, closely resembling IF in packaging and name, have surfaced across Chinese e-commerce platforms, confusing many consumers.

 

Though visually similar, consumers have identified distinct differences in taste and ingredients, often describing TF's version as unappealing due to its complex ingredient list. These counterfeit products raise alarms about quality, potentially deterring consumers from purchasing coconut drinks altogether.

 

TF, based in Chenzhou, Hunan province, produces various beverages. The Chenzhou market regulatory agency has ordered the TF factory to resolve the imitation issue, mandating the removal of these products by May 1, 2024. Similar imitations have appeared in regions like Guangxi and Guizhou, with some factories altering names to avoid legal conflicts, using variations such as “1F” or “LF.”

 

Instances of Thai products being copied in China are not new. Given the emerging health trends and the increased popularity of coconut water in China, the IF brand is particularly vulnerable to this tactic. To mitigate such risks, Thai exporters are urged to register their trademarks in China, where fierce market competition often leads to trademark disputes.

 

 

 

To protect against counterfeiting, Thai brands should implement strategic measures:

 

1. Trademark Registration: Secure intellectual property rights in key markets, including China, the US, and the EU, to protect brand elements such as names, logos, and packaging designs.
2. Anti-Counterfeiting Tactics: Introduce tamper-proof labels, QR codes, and unique packaging features to verify product authenticity and complicate imitations.
3. Consumer Education: Utilize official channels, such as websites and social media, to inform consumers about brand distinctions. Collaborate with local distributors to highlight authentic products, fostering trust through brand history and quality assurance narratives.

 

By addressing trademark and intellectual property concerns and adopting comprehensive anti-counterfeiting strategies, Thai businesses can safeguard their brand reputation in international markets, ensuring consumers recognize and trust genuine Thai coconut drinks amidst emerging counterfeit threats, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-26

 

 

[lordgrinz]

The Chinese way of doing business, get used to it, otherwise you may upset your emperor.

[BayArea]

LOL!! so Thailand is finally figuring out that the Chinese are the biggest purveyors of stealing intellectual properties. 

[SABloke]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Though visually similar, consumers have identified distinct differences in taste and ingredients, often describing TF's version as unappealing due to its complex ingredient list.

 

Pepsi and Est Cola are "visually similar" too - nobody crying foul there.

 

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

These counterfeit products raise alarms about quality,

 

If they have a different name, taste different, and look different, they are not "counterfeit"

 

adjective

counterfeit (adjective)

1. made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud:

   "counterfeit £10 notes"