BYD's Legal Move to Settle Denza Dispute Deemed Appropriate

KatadataOTO – Some time ago, EV (Electric Vehicle) manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams) filed a lawsuit against a food and beverage company that registered the Denza trademark with the DJKI (Directorate General of Intellectual Property).

Although it was registered earlier on July 3, 2023, BYD is suing the registrant, PT WNA (Woncas Nusantara Abadi), on the grounds of bad faith.

The Denza brand is also claimed to be a well-known and globally used brand. It should be noted that Denza is a sub-brand of BYD specifically for its premium product line.

In response, the DJKI of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights considers BYD's decision to sue as the right step, showing respect for the country's legal system and ensuring justice for all parties.

Photo : PDKI

The Ministry of Law and Human Rights emphasized that this dispute serves as a reminder for all business actors to register their trademarks as soon as possible according to their respective business categories.

“We believe that strong intellectual property protection is the main foundation for encouraging innovation, investment, and national economic growth,” said Hermansyah Siregar, Director of Trademarks and Geographical Indications at the DJKI of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, as quoted from Antara on Tuesday (4/2).

He emphasized that the DJKI will continue to strive to strengthen the trademark examination system, so that the chances of similar problems occurring can be anticipated in the future.

The parties involved in the dispute between PT WNA and BYD are urged to respect the legal process in effect in the country.

The DJKI also stressed that any party wishing to register a trademark must do so in good faith.

For your information, the DJKI explained that the main principle of trademark protection in Indonesia is based on the first-to-file principle, or the first to submit a registration, as well as the territorial principle.

Photo : Courtesy

Legally, this regulation is stipulated in Law Number 20 of 206 concerning Trademarks and Geographical Indications.

Regarding BYD's lawsuit, there are about 10 points as registered at the Central Jakarta Commercial Court with number 1/Pdt.Sus-HKI/Merek/2025/PN Niaga Jkt.Pst on January 3, 2025.

Some of them state that BYD, as the plaintiff, is the first registrant and rightful owner of the Denza trademark. Furthermore, the BYD brand and its variants are well-known brands