ZTE claims it stopped using the trademark in July 2009, months before Huawei applied for it as its own with the European Union. Furthermore, ZTE argues Huawei's RoHS designed logo shouldn't even be considered a legitimate trademark.

"This is like having a little bit of graphic design around the words 'energy saving', and use it as a trademark of household appliances," ZTE said in a statement. "There is a clear lack of legitimacy."

ZTE added that it believed the trademark case goes "beyond normal technology, marketing and legal litigation."

"ZTE's determination to explore the European market will not be impeded by this or any such action. The preliminary injunction will not impact on ZTE's business," the company said in a statement.