An attempt by famed Chinese distiller Moutai to call itself "the national liquor" in a trademark has fired up many of its competitors.

During a three-month public review period on its request to trademark "Guojiu Moutai" - literally "national liquor Moutai"- the trademark office received a number of objections from other liquor giants as well as individuals and lawyers.

A full year after it passed first examination by the trademark application, Moutai has yet to receive a final decision from the trademark office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce.