China fines hotel chain for stealing the Disney name

Shanghai: Shanghai has fined a hotel chain for using Disney’s name at five of its properties, state media said on Wednesday, as the Chinese city seeks to defend the US entertainment giant before its theme park opening.

There were no Mickey Mouse ears on display in media pictures of the Shenzhen-based Vienna Hotels Group establishments, nor Buzz Lightyear costumes, but an image showed a sign declaring one a “Disney branch”. The chain also used Disney branding on electronic signs and websites, the official Xinhua News Agency reported, citing the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Industry and Commerce. Doing so violated the Disney trademark, the agency said, and it fined the firm more than $15,000.