"The shape of the leopard is the representative work of Cartier. The shape, first created in 1914, has become a symbol of Cartier," said Zhou Fengjin, Cartier's lawyer. "Lao Feng Xiang has violated Cartier's trademark."

Lao Feng Xiang, which has been in business for 150 years, said the belt buckle was shaped like the head of a dragon.

The company went on to say that Cartier is simply using the court to try to cut down on competition.

Yang Xudong, the company designer who created the buckle, said he came up with the image after looking at several reference books about dragons.

In addition, Lao Feng Xiang argued the buckle carries its own trademark and won't confuse consumers.