Will Denza's Name in Indonesia Be Changed to Danza? Here's What BYD Says
The defeat in the “Denza” trademark dispute at the cassation level does not immediately halt BYD Company Limited’s steps in Indonesia. After the Supreme Court rejected their appeal, the Chinese company has instead confirmed that it has secured an alternative name, namely “Danza”.
The cassation decision with number 1338 K/Pdt.Sus-HKI/2025 became a crucial point in this polemic. In its verdict, the Supreme Court granted the request from the opposing party, PT Worcas Nusantara Abadi, and stated that BYD’s lawsuit was inadmissible. The judges assessed that there was an error in the legal subject in the lawsuit or error in persona, especially after the ownership of the Denza mark shifted to another party.
In response, Luther T. Panjaitan, Head of PR & Government for BYD Indonesia, emphasised that the legal process has not fully concluded. The company is still open to further steps while examining the existing decision.
“We respect the applicable legal process, but this process has not ended. The final conclusion does not explain that the DENZA mark is not owned by BYD, but there is a difference in the legal subject targeted,” said Luther to CNBC Indonesia on Monday (20/4/2026).
Amid the uncertainty over the status of the Denza mark domestically, BYD revealed that it has secured another mark as a precautionary step in the Indonesian market.
“BYD believes in a fair and balanced legal system, and currently we are still studying and considering the next steps, but it is assured that for the Danza mark we already hold it in Indonesia,” he continued.
This situation reflects the challenges often faced by global companies when entering new markets with different legal regimes. Although globally BYD claims to be the legitimate owner of the Denza mark, the legal reality in Indonesia shows a misaligned condition.
“Globally, BYD is the rights holder over the Denza mark which has been recognised in various countries. Situations like this are a vulnerable part encountered in entering new markets, so this is also an introduction for us regarding the dynamics of investment in Indonesia,” said Luther.
In the case documents, it is known that the rights to the Denza mark in Indonesia have been transferred to PT Raden Reza Adi through a notary deed in September 2024. This strengthens the opposing party’s position in the dispute that resulted in BYD’s loss at the cassation level.
Nevertheless, the company emphasised that the mark issue will not disrupt their business plans in Indonesia. The main focus remains directed towards developing electric vehicles and contributing to the national automotive industry.
“However, this does not change our commitment in Indonesia. BYD will continue to contribute with REAL products and technology that have proven to add value to the national industry,” he stated.