A local court yesterday ordered three Chinese companies to pay 500,000 yuan (US$60,241) in compensation to Montagut for conspiring to violate the French fashion company's trademarks.

　　Bonneterie Cevenole SARL, which owns the trademark of Montagut, filed a lawsuit against Shanghai Meizheng Garment Co Ltd, Monteque Mayjane (Hong Kong) Fashion Ltd and Changshu Haoteba Garment Co Ltd for trademark infringement and unfair competition in September last year. It requested 1 million yuan in compensation.

　　Montagut is one of the world's leading fashion brands, with a line of goods that includes garments, ties, glasses and other accessories.

　　The court decided the three defendants conspired to illegally use the Montagut trademark and they have caused damage to the French company.

　　The court said Monteque Mayjane (Hong Kong) illegally licensed the Montagut trademark and the flower logo to Shanghai Meizheng Garment Co Ltd in December 2001. The Shanghai company then illegally used the Montagut trademark and the flower image on its products, advertising, packages and specialty stores.

　　Changshu Haoteba has been responsible for producing and selling products with the Montagut trademark for the Shanghai company since December 2001.

　　All the Meizheng specialty stores in Shanghai have been closed as a result of the case.

　　"In Shanghai, Montagut is only sold in department stores," said Eric Tong with Montagut Far East Ltd.