China's leading shoemaker, Aokang Group Co. Ltd., has won a lawsuit against EU antidumping measures on Chinese leather shoes.

On November 18, the European Court of Justice overruled an earlier judgment by the General Court of the EU in April 2010, which dismissed Aokang's action against the EU.

The court also ordered the Council of the European Union to pay the costs incurred by Aokang Group from the lawsuits.

The EU imposed a two-year 16.5-percent anti-dumping duty on imports of Chinese leather shoes in October 2006 and later decided to extend the duty until March 31 in 2011.

Five Chinese shoe companies including Aokang lodged a lawsuit against the EU measures to the General Court of the EU after the duties were imposed.

After the Chinese companies lost the first round, Aokang decided to appeal to the European Court of Justice.

Despite the EU removing its anti-dumping duties in April 2011, Aokang continued with its lawsuit.

Experts said Aokang's legal victory could bring the company more than 5 million yuan ($801,600) in compensation for legal costs, and importers and exporters in trade relations with Aokang will get back the anti-dumping duties levied by the EU over the past six years.

Experts also believe the victory will set a legal precedent for Chinese shoemakers when facing international trade disputes in the future.