Uncle Martian Denies Blatantly Ripping Off Under Armour

By Bridget O'Donnell

A Chinese sports apparel brand raised eyebrows last week after its newly unveiled logo looked suspiciously like that of popular American brand Under Armour's.

The bizarrely named 'Uncle Martian' was widely ridiculed by web users after photos from its official launch event went viral online. 

The Chinese brand's logo appears to be heavily inspired by Under Armour's, complete with a "U" on top of an upside-down "U." Under Armour is said to be pursuing legal action.

Uncle Martian is yet another in a long line of Chinese brands which have notoriously been called out for ripping off foreign brands. Just last week, US basketball player Michael Jordan saw his case against Fujian-based "Qiaodan" go to the Chinese Supreme court for copying his famous "Air Jordan" shoe brand.

For what it's worth, Uncle Martian has denied the allegations, with its marketing head telling the Wall Street Journal it has "nothing to do" with the Baltimore-based athletic brand:

“We haven’t heard from Under Armour yet. They haven’t contacted us about anything,” said Zheng Maoxin, head of the marketing department for Uncle Martian’s parent company, Fujian Tingfeilong Sports Goods Co., Ltd, based in the city of Jinjiang.

“We’re focusing on developing our own brand, and our brand has nothing to do with theirs at all,” Mr. Zheng said. “I wouldn’t comment on those online rumors. Our brand has been authorized by the Administration for Industry and Commerce, so how does that not count?”

Don't worry, Uncle Martian. We believe you. 

[Images via Rocket News 24]

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