Santo Thermal Control Successfully Defends “SANTO” Trademark: Court Rules “Huanrui” Liable for Infringement, Awards RMB 25,000 in Damages

Santo Thermal Control Technology Jiangsu Co., Ltd. (“Santo Thermal Control”) has obtained a favorable judgment in a trademark infringement lawsuit heard by the Hefei Intermediate People’s Court in Anhui Province (Docket No.: (2025) Wan 01 Min Chu No. 899). The court found that Anhui Huanrui Electric Heating Equipment Co., Ltd. (“Huanrui”) infringed Santo Thermal Control’s registered trademark “SANTO” by using the keyword “santo” in Baidu search advertising, and ordered Huanrui to pay RMB 25,000 in economic damages and reasonable legal expenses.

Since its establishment in 2009, Santo Thermal Control has focused on the R&D and manufacturing of self-limiting heating cables, electric heating devices and related products. Its “SANTO” trademark (Registration No. 20420322A) was officially registered in 2017 for use in Class 11 (electric heating devices, etc.) and represents a core brand asset of the company.

Discovery & Legal Action
Evidence of Genuine Use & Brand Influence
Forward Strategy
- About Santo Thermal Control Technology Jiangsu Co., Ltd.

Discovery & Legal Action

In July 2025, Santo Thermal Control discovered that Huanrui was using the keyword “santo electric heat tracing” in Baidu search promotions. The search results page displayed a link titled “Choose Huanrui for santo electric heat tracing – one-stop sourcing – factory supply,” which redirected to Huanrui’s official website. Santo Thermal Control promptly notarized the evidence and filed a lawsuit with the court.

Court Ruling – Key Findings:

Huanrui’s use of “santo” in the title of its search promotion link constituted trademark use under the Chinese Trademark Law.
Such use was likely to cause confusion among the relevant public regarding the source of the goods, thus infringing the registered “SANTO” trademark.
Although the infringement lasted only six days and generated only 13 clicks, Huanrui, as a competitor in the same industry, failed to exercise due diligence to avoid infringement.

Considering the short duration of the infringement and the fact that Huanrui had voluntarily removed the keyword and taken corrective actions, the court exercised its discretion and ordered Huanrui to pay RMB 25,000 in economic damages and reasonable enforcement expenses. Santo Thermal Control withdrew its claim for injunctive relief during the trial, and the court did not further address that request.

“We respect the court’s decision and are grateful for the judicial recognition of trademark protection. As a technology-driven enterprise deeply engaged in the electric heat tracing sector, Santo has always placed great importance on intellectual property management and brand protection. Although the amount involved in this case is modest, it carries positive significance for maintaining brand distinctiveness and combating the hidden use of trademarks. We will continue to operate in compliance with the law and defend our rights, setting a positive example of respect for intellectual property in our industry.”

— Santo Thermal Control, official statement

Evidence of Genuine Use & Brand Influence

During the proceedings, Santo Thermal Control submitted extensive evidence of its actual use of the “SANTO” trademark at exhibitions, on its website, on Douyin (TikTok), and elsewhere, demonstrating the mark’s real use and brand influence. Although the court did not grant the claimed RMB 1 million in high damages, it made clear that the hidden use of a trademark in search keyword advertising can constitute trademark infringement – a finding of significant reference value for brand owners facing similar challenges in digital advertising.

Forward Strategy

Moving forward, Santo Thermal Control will continue to build on its “SANTO” brand, driving technological innovation and market expansion in the electric heat tracing sector, and consistently providing customers with safe, reliable, and compliant heating solutions.

About Santo Thermal Control Technology Jiangsu Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2009, Santo Thermal Control Technology Jiangsu Co., Ltd. is a national high-tech enterprise specializing in the R&D, manufacturing, and sales of self-limiting heating cables, electric heating devices, and related products. The company owns the “SANTO” registered trademark and serves a wide range of industrial and commercial applications including industrial heat tracing, explosion-proof heating, and residential heating. Santo Thermal Control is committed to technological excellence and proactive IP protection.