China cracks down on fake Disney hotels

Global Business

China has fined five copycat Disney hotels, less than a month after regulators pledged unprecedented special treatment to the entertainment group in its battle against counterfeiters. As Disney is fighting to maintain its strong brand presence in China, Chinese authorities are also sparing no effort in protecting the companies’ intellectual property rights.

Lin Yijing reports.

Five knock-off Disney hotels have been fined a total of 100,000 yuan ($15,612) for infringing the companny’s trademark rights in hotels near the Shanghai Disney Resort, which is expected to open in several months. The five hotels are owned by Shenzhen-based Vienna Hotels Group, which used the “Disney” name on their websites and signs without authorization.

Tao Guonan, partner of Shanghai Sun & Hold law firm underlines concerns that fake products are damaging China’s reputation and said the fines show how seriously the Chinese government is taking the case.


Marc A. Ross discusses fake intellectual property rights in China

CCTV America’s Karina Huber interviewed Co-Founder and Partner of Caracal Strategies Marc A. Ross about China’s campaign against fake Disney products and other intellectual property rights issues.