A combination photo shows that the trademark of Under Armor (left)and the logo of Uncle Martian, a brand of Tingfeilong (right). 

Tingfeilong, a Chinese corporation headquartered in Fujian province that manufactures sports shoes, clothing and equipment, has been hit by allegations that their trademarks are too similar to those of New Balance and Under Armour.

Recently, a report on Tingfeilong's Fall/Winter launch caused a stir both inside and outside of the industry. In terms of color and design, many netizens thought a poster at the launch was quite similar to the aesthetic from the New Balance promotional video in which famous Chinese songwriter, singer and record producer Jonathan Lee starred. In addition, Tingfeilong was accused of appropriating "Heart and Hands," a New Balance slogan. 

Huang Canlong, General Manager of Tingfeilong, said that his new shoe series, named “N series,” will be printed with an English letter “N,” which many netizens point out is a major characteristic of New Balance shoes

In addition, a number of people have pointed out that the logo of Tingfeilong, Uncle Martian, is extremely similar to that of Under Armour. 

Huang told reporters from Xinhua News Agency that the company possesses independent brands, which have nothing to do with Under Armour or New Balance. He added, "We have been building our own brands and manufacturing our own products. With regards to customers saying our shoe designs are similar to those of other shoemakers, we have simply been making a reasonable selection of solid products. Some people are making allegations that we have bent the rules to suit our interests, but that is just the view of outsiders. We have been building the Uncle Martian brand for several years already without receiving these complaints.” 

The China branches of New Balance and Under Armour express great concern over this issue. They deny any business cooperation with Tingfeilong, and they have asked their law departments to follow the situation as it develops. 

Tingfeilong's Fall/Winter launch.