Copyright violation trial on Crayon Shin-chan opens

Shanghai (CNS) -- Futabasha Publishers Ltd., which turns out the popular manga Crayon Shin-chan created by Yoshito Usui, has sued three companies based in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Jiangsu for violation of its publishing and merchandizing rights. The case was brought before the Shanghai No.1 Intermediate People's Court, claiming 1.06 million yuan in compensation.

The case opened in court on Wednesday.

The defendants are accused of using the image of Crayon Shin-chan without authorization on their products or logos, or during sales or advertising, covering a wide range of business lines from attire, shoes, hats, luggage and stationary.

The plaintiff claims the violation of copyright disturbs the legal market, and has seriously affected its commercial activities with the manga image since it marched into the Chinese market in January 2004 with sole copyright.