White Elephant's 'More Than Half' Claim Under Fire: 25g Difference Sparks Consumer Outrage
A recent controversy has surfaced regarding the packaging of White Elephant's "多半" (more than half) series of instant noodles, with many consumers questioning the company's marketing tactics. The packaging of these products displays "多半" as a registered trademark, leading some to accuse the company of "playing with words" in their advertising. According to reports, White Elephant Food Co., Ltd. had applied to register several trademarks related to "多半" between 2018 and 2021, including "多半", "多半袋" (more than half bag), and "多半桶" (more than half bucket). However, some of these applications were rejected due to concerns that they could mislead consumers about the quantity of the product.
5 June 2025
An investigation by Blue Whale News found that the face noodles in White Elephant's regular packages weigh 85 grams, while those in the "多半" series weigh 110 grams, a difference of only 25 grams. This has led many to question the significance of the "多半" label and whether it is simply a marketing ploy. In response to the controversy, a customer service representative from White Elephant stated that "多半" is indeed a registered trademark and that the actual weight of the product is indicated on the packaging. The representative also claimed that the product itself is not problematic.
The disparity between corporate trademark registration and consumer perception has become a contentious issue in the Chinese market. The company's use of "多半" as a trademark has led consumers to believe that the product contains more noodles than its regular counterparts. However, the investigation revealed that the "多半" series only contains 25g more noodles than the regular version, which is a far cry from the implied "half more" or "extra half" suggested by the trademark. This phenomenon is not unique to White Elephant, as other companies have also been accused of using similar tactics to mislead consumers.
The root of the problem lies in the fact that companies are taking advantage of consumer psychology and registering descriptive words as trademarks. By doing so, they create a perception that their products are of higher quality or contain more value than they actually do. This practice is not only unethical but also illegal, as it violates the principles of honest and fair trade. According to Chinese law, companies must ensure that their trademarks do not mislead consumers. The Trademark Law stipulates that companies should not use trademarks that are likely to cause confusion or deceive consumers.

In the case of White Elephant, the company's use of "多半" as a trademark has raised questions about its honesty and transparency. Consumers who have purchased the product under the assumption that it contains more noodles than the regular version may feel misled and deceived. The company's response to the controversy, stating that "多半" is a series name and not a reference to the product's weight, has done little to alleviate consumer concerns. The incident highlights the need for greater scrutiny and regulation of corporate trademark registration and advertising practices. Companies must be held accountable for their actions, and consumers must be protected from misleading and deceptive marketing tactics.
The controversy surrounding the "多半" series of instant noodles has sparked a heated debate among consumers, with many calling for greater transparency and honesty in food labeling. As the issue continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how White Elephant will address the concerns of its customers and regulators. The incident raises important questions about business integrity and consumer rights, particularly in the area of marketing and advertising. Should companies be allowed to use misleading language in their marketing and product naming, even if it is technically legal? Do consumers have a right to expect that companies will be truthful and transparent in their advertising and labeling?
Ultimately, this incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in business practices. Consumers have a right to expect that companies will be honest and truthful in their representations, and companies have a responsibility to ensure that their marketing practices are fair and transparent. By prioritizing consumer rights and business integrity, we can create a more trustworthy and equitable marketplace for all.
Comments

