Danish toy company Lego has won its first copyright court case in China, citing an infringement by products under the name Bela.

China Shantou Intermediate People’s Court has ruled that Bela products, being sold by two Chinese companies, infringe upon Lego’s copyrights. While the ruling was made in September, the appeal window has only just ended, says the building block maker.

This follows a Beijing Higher Court ruling in July that recognises the Lego logo and the name in Chinese as “well-known” trademarks in China.

The latest ruling is a “strong indication” of the continued focus on proper intellectual property protection and enforcement by the Chinese courts, says Lego head of legal affairs Peter Thorslund Kjaer.

“This is very important for the continued development of a favourable business environment for all companies working in the Chinese market.”