Taking Disney, which Places the Greatest Emphasis on Copyright, as an Example
Global Legal Network: Disney registers Mickey Mouse image in 183 countries (WIPO data), 35% of infringing goods seized by Yiwu Customs involve Disney
Long traceability period: Mickey Mouse copyright has been extended until 2025 (US Copyright Term Extension Act), Steamboat Willie version is still protected
Punitive damages: In 2024, a stationery factory in Shenzhen was ordered to pay 48700 RMB (worth only 2100 RMB) for exporting Minnie notebooks
Top 5 Hidden Traps for Exporters
① Deformation trap
Misconception: ‘Extending Mickey’s ears by 10% is not infringing’
Legal fact: According to the precedent of the US federal court, a similarity of over 60% constitutes infringement
② Color trap
High risk operation: Use Disney exclusive Pantone color codes (such as Mickey Red PMS 485C)
Alternative solution: Adjust the color value to deviate by more than 5%
③ Text trap
Fatal error: Product description contains suggestive words such as’ Disney style ‘
Compliance copy: “Cartoon mouse design” (to be combined with graphic differences)
④ Combination trap
High risk case: Snow White+Arabic headscarf (still considered as character image infringement)
Safe practice: completely original character+unrelated clothing
⑤ Derivatives Trap
Misconception: “Selling Elsa Princess stickers is not infringing because they are blank stickers”
Legal boundary: According to the US DMCA regulations, inducing consumers to complete infringing patterns is considered a violation
Practical Compliance Strategies
Option 1: Authorized Cooperation
Disney China Authorization Department Contact Information: licensing@disney.com.cn (Minimum order quantity of $50000) This is usually very expensive, so we do not recommend you to choose this option
Indirect channel: Find authorized sellers to purchase goods and require them to provide authorization letters
Option 2: Creative Avoidance
Transformation rule: Change 3 core features (such as Mickey ear shape/eye ratio/glove color)
Case: Yiwu’s popular “Space Mouse” design (oval ears+mechanical gloves+metal gray main color)
Option 3: Cultural Substitution
Alternative IP in the Middle East: Saudi MBC’s “Freej” animated image of an Arab grandmother
Alternative IP for Africa: Nigerian “Bino&Fino” educational animation characters
Option 4: Legal Protection
Essential documents: Original design manuscript+timestamp authentication (recommended to use TSA copyright certification platform)
Defensive registration: Registering similar trademarks in the target market (such as registering “Mixy Mouse” in Mexico)
