EIREducational Innovation Research3029-18443029-1852Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.10.18063/EIR.v3i7.794ArticleAnalysis of Brand Plagiarism Using “Pepsi-Cola”https://artdesignp.com/journal/EIR/3/7/10.18063/EIR.v3i7.794YanShengting2025372025-08-26This study focuses on “Pepsi-Cola” and its plagiarized counterpart “Bái Shi Cola”, analyzing trademark plagiarism from three dimensions: character graphics, phonetics, and pragmatics. In terms of character graphics, it compares the two brands’ Chinese character structure, semantic differences (e.g., “Pepsi (Bǎi Shi)” meaning “all things” vs. “Bái Shi” meaning “funerals”), and visual similarity (confusable component “Rì” in “Bǎi” and “Bái”). Phonetically, a high similarity in sound wave, duration (e.g., 4.829751 seconds for Beijing males), and formats was found from samples from Beijing/Shaanxi speakers via Praat software, with only minor pitch/end-of-sound differences. Pragmatically, similar characters/packaging can easily confuse low-literacy groups due to China’s educational disparities. Linguistically and legally, “Bái Shi Cola” causes confusion, carries cultural offensiveness, and violates China’s Trademark Law. Collectively, these findings support trademark infringement judgment and well-known brand protection.Character graphic analysis,Phonetic quantification (Praat),Pragmatic confusion,Trademark infringement,Trademark plagiarism

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