Theme park giant Walt Disney Co said it may take legal action against new Chinese theme park pretender Wanda City for violating its intellectual property rights.
This came after performers dressed as Snow White and Captain America were seen at the grand opening of the first Wanda City park in Nanchang , Jiangxi Province.
"We vigorously protect our intellectual property and take action to address infringement. Our characters and stories have delighted generations, these illegal and substandard imitations unfortunately disappoint all who expect more," a Disney statement said.
Speaking to local media, Dalian Wanda said the faux Disney characters do not represent the Wanda City brand.
They were operated by individual stores within the Wanda Mall at the park, it said.
Over the last year Disney has worked with Chinese officials to crack down on fake unauthorised merchandise ahead of the official opening of Shanghai Disneyland later this month.
The Disney threat seems likely to be nothing more than a response to Wanda’s recent challenge to unseat Disney as the world’s biggest theme park brand.
Wanda chairman Wang Jianlin, who happens to be China’s richest man, fired the first warning shot.
"One tiger is no match for a pack of wolves — Shanghai has one Disney, while Wanda, across the nation, will open 15 to 20," he said.
