Crayon Shin-chan faces probable lawsuit loss

According to the March report of the board of directors of the Japan Magazine Publishers Association (JMPA), the case that Futabasha is contentiously pursuing in China regarding the illegal registration and use of the characters of "Crayon Shin-chan" by a third party, will likely reach a verdict by as soon as June or July at the Supreme People's Court, which is the highest level of the Supreme Court in Japan.

The JMPA had submitted a recommendation to the Chinese side, appealing the legitimate protection of rights of the rights holder, but loss of the case nevertheless appears certain at the court. However, with the Beijing Olympics coming up, China is in the process of reforming its trademark laws and for this reason it appears likely that the Chinese side will move towards a settlement that sees the annulment of the trademark registration filed by the "ill-intentioned third party." The trial is expected to conclude in a draw that will help to save the face of the judiciary, while also giving due recognition to Futabasha's claim.


*Some of the book titles are tentative translations.
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