Ads and packaging can no longer use 'well-known' mark

When the newly revised Trademark Law took effect this month forbidding the use of "well-known trademarks" in advertising and on packaging, some companies were left holding the bag as they scrambled to comply.

Although liable for a fine of up to 100,000 yuan ($16,020), they could not change their advertising and packaging in time.

The high cost of simply removing old labels and designing new ones is one reason for the difficulty.