Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. file (v.) [fahyl] – to submit a document to an authority for
approval, investigation or any other relevant action
Example: I filed my visa application to the embassy.
2. entitle (v.) [en-tahyt-l] –
to give a right or claim to
something
Example: Citizens are entitled to government protection.
3. trademark (n.) [treyd-mahrk] –an official name or symbol used to identify a product and is legally exclusive
to the use of the owner
Example: After registration,
all trademarks and brands shall be
properties of their owners.
4. confront (v.) [kuhn-fruhnt] –
to face
someone or something in opposition
Example: The angry customer confronted the store manager.
5. dispute (n.) [dih-spyoot] - a disagreement
Example: The
store manager settled the dispute
between him and the customer immediately.
Article
Read the text below.
Read the text below.
Former NBA star
Michael Jordan has filed a lawsuit
against Qiaodan Sports, a Chinese sportswear company, for illegally using his
Chinese name for profit.
Located in Fujian
province, Qiaodan manufactures products such as sneakers and other sports clothing.
The company is said to be using Jordan’s Chinese name “Quiaodan” and jersey
number for its business without his permission.
In a statement, the
basketball legend said he is disappointed that a company is making money out
of his name and his jersey number, 23. Jordan said the company has even tried
to use his children’s names.
He added that he filed
the complaint not because he wants money, but because he wants to protect his
name.
In defense, Qiaodan’s management
said that the company is entitled
to the use of “Qiaodan”, since it registered
this trademark under Chinese law.
Qiaodan has gained success
over the years. In 2010, it became the official partner of the International Basketball
Federation (FIBA). Countries such as Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have
also partnered with Qiaodan in the Olympics.
Meanwhile, NBA star
Jeremy Lin, who recently achieved worldwide fame, may possibly confront a similar legal dispute in the future. A woman from
Jiangsu Province in China has already registered Lin’s name in Chinese
characters as a trademark.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
If you were Jordan, would you take on the same
action against the company? Why or why not?
·
What are some ways businesses can protect their
ideas and properties?
Discussion B
·
How does trademark help businesses?
·
Does trademark prevent healthy business competition?
Why or why not?
