Disney issues warning to Wanda on IPR

The Walt Disney Co says it is prepared to take action to protect its intellectual property rights after performers dressed as Snow White and Captain America appeared at Dalian Wanda Group Co's new theme park in China.

Wanda opened its first of seven outdoor entertainment complexes in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, on May 28. Disney will open its new resort and theme park in Shanghai on June 16.

Performers, including one that bore a strong resemblance to Kung Fu Panda, were also spotted at the Wanda park, according to reports.

In a statement about IP protection, Disney says: "We vigorously protect our intellectual property and take action to address infringement."

Disney's characters and trademarks are widely used in China. In October, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce launched a yearlong nationwide crackdown on the infringement of Disney trademarks.

"Our characters and stories have delighted generations. These illegal and substandard imitations unfortunately disappoint all who expect more," reads a Disney statement.

Wanda said in a statement on May 29 that the characters were operated by individual stores in Wanda Mall that did not represent Wanda.

The company's top management have been bullish, insisting its venues will beat Disney hands down in terms of visitor numbers and total revenue once it has rolled out what could eventually be as many as 20 Wanda Cities nationwide by 2020.

Ben Cavender, the principal of China Market Research Group, says Wanda's prices were competitive. A ticket to the Wanda City theme park in Nanchang costs 198 yuan ($30; 27 euros) during the week and 248 yuan on weekends and holidays. Tickets for Shanghai Disney cost 370 yuan and 499 yuan respectively. Hu Tianlong, associate professor at Renmin University of China Law School, says Wanda should strengthen its monitoring and supervision of actions that may infringe IP rights, to support the healthy development of the industry.

Contact the writers through wangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily Africa Weekly 06/03/2016 page29)