Three "Crocodiles" should adhere to the principle of peaceful co-existence, run their businesses respectively and seek co-operation to develop their trademarks.

That was the underlying theme of a news briefing held by Crocodile International Private Ltd in Beijing on Monday.

The Singapore-based clothing company also suggested the three Crocodiles - the other two are French La Chemise Lacoste, established in 1933, and Hong Kong-based Crocodile Garments Ltd - should join forces to stamp out counterfeit products and compete fairly.

In recent years Lacoste launched lawsuits for alleged trademark infringement by companies in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Singapore and East China's Zhejiang Province.

Late last month a conciliation was reached in Beijing by Lacoste and Hong Kong-based Crocodile, ending their four-year trademark dispute.

In their joint declaration, the two Crocodiles vowed to launch joint efforts to fight against "pirated products."

On October 20, Lacoste accused Singapore-based Crocodile of trademark infringement and unfair competition.

Tan Hian Tsin, one of the founders of the Singapore-based Crocodile line, said his brand entered the Chinese market in 1993. He said the company obtained acknowledgement and protection from the Trademark Office of the administrative authority for industry and commerce and the Trademark Review and Adjudication Board by registering as "Cartelo Crocodile" in China in March 1998.

On the international markets, the three crocodiles have obvious differences in logos, products, prices and target consumer groups, said Tan, adding that co-existence won't trigger confusion among consumers.

Established in 1947, Singapore-based Crocodile has obtained trademark registration in nearly 20 countries and regions in Asia and Africa.

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