In the vibrant world of animation, every unique cartoon character is a labor of love for its creators, embodying laughter and dreams for countless fans. These characters are not merely images; they are an integral part of intellectual property (IP). This article will explore how cartoon characters are protected under intellectual property laws, review some classic characters from history, introduce influential new characters from the past couple of years, analyze how these characters are safeguarded through trademarks and copyrights, and discuss measures and legal grounds for combating malicious copying.

I. Intellectual Property Protection of Cartoon Characters

1. Importance of Copyrights and Trademarks

The intellectual property protection of cartoon characters relies primarily on copyrights and trademarks. Copyrights protect the originality of the work, including character design, appearance, and movements. Trademarks, on the other hand, serve to distinguish the source of different goods or services, preserving the distinctiveness and recognizability of the character as a brand symbol.

2. Copyright Registration and Trademark Application

To ensure effective protection of a cartoon character’s IP, creators should register copyrights and apply for trademarks as early as possible. Copyright registration confirms the originality and ownership of the work, providing a legal foundation for future enforcement. Trademark applications prevent others from using similar marks on the same or related goods, preserving the uniqueness and market value of the brand.

Kangxin IP Platform (https://eservice.kangxin.com), as a professional IP service provider, offers comprehensive and convenient protection services for cartoon characters. Through the platform, creators can easily complete copyright registration and trademark applications, enjoying a one-stop solution for IP protection. Additionally, the platform provides rich IP information and data analysis, helping creators better understand market trends and infringement risks.

II. Classic Cartoon Characters in History

1. Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck

When discussing cartoon characters, Disney’s iconic Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck are indispensable. These two characters have been beloved by audiences worldwide since their creation, becoming emblematic symbols of the Disney brand. Their success owes much to Disney’s strict IP protection, including copyright registration and trademark applications, which have ensured the distinctiveness and market value of these characters.

Trademark application details for their parent company in recent years (source: Kangxin IP Platform)

2. Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck

Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck are also classic figures in the cartoon world. Bugs Bunny’s quirky personality and strong Brooklyn accent have won over audiences, while Daffy Duck’s unique humor and partnership with Porky Pig have made him unforgettable. Like Disney’s characters, the success of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck is closely tied to rigorous IP protection.

Trademark application details for their parent company in recent years (source: Kangxin IP Platform)

III. Influential Cartoon Characters Introduced in Recent Years

1. Jiji Kawawa

In recent years, the Japanese cartoon character Jiji Kawawa has rapidly gained popularity. Known for its adorable, clumsy appearance and nuanced emotional expression, the character has garnered a large fan base. Jiji Kawawa’s success is owed in part to its creator's emphasis on IP protection, including copyright registration and trademark applications, which have preserved the uniqueness and market value of the character.

Trademark application details for their parent company in recent years (source: Kangxin IP Platform)

2. Panty Rabbit

Panty Rabbit is another recently popular cartoon character, attracting many young fans with its pink appearance and tenacious spirit. The creators of Panty Rabbit also prioritize IP protection, having completed extensive copyright registration and trademark applications.

IV. Case Study on Trademark and Copyright Protection

Taking Super Wings as an example, this animated series is a high-budget children's production that took Company A three years to develop and has gained widespread popularity among young audiences. Company A registered the copyright for the animated characters, which have since achieved significant recognition and influence in the market. In response to unauthorized use of the Super Wings characters, Company A has taken extensive legal action against infringers.

One such case involved X Food Company in Xiamen that used the Super Wings characters without permission to produce and sell cakes, constituting copyright infringement. The court ruled that the company had used eight copyrighted artworks from the series without authorization or compensation, and had used the term "Super Wings" and related images in online product listings. This was found to infringe upon Company A’s rights of distribution and communication through information networks. As a result, the court ordered the X Food Company to cease the infringement and pay damages.

The defendant claimed that the infringing products had a legitimate source, but the evidence provided—including screenshots of Taobao orders, handwritten receipts, and WeChat chat logs—was inconsistent and failed to prove the legality of the products’ origin. Additionally, given the high recognition and popularity of the Super Wings characters among consumers, and the fact that the defendant’s purchase price for the infringing goods was significantly lower than the standard wholesale or retail prices for legitimate merchandise, the court determined that the X Food Company had not exercised reasonable due diligence. Therefore, the court rejected the defendant’s claim of legitimate sourcing.

Ultimately, the court ruled that the X Food Company must bear civil liability for the infringement. This case highlights the importance of copyright protection and the legal consequences of violating intellectual property rights.

V. Measures and Legal Grounds to Combat Malicious Copying

1. Response Measures

When facing malicious copying, cartoon character creators and rights holders can take the following steps:

Collect evidence of infringement through platforms such as the Kangxin IP Platform;

File complaints or lawsuits with the relevant IP authorities or courts;

Collaborate with enforcement agencies to combat infringement;

Establish a robust enforcement mechanism and market monitoring system to ensure timely detection and response to infringements.

2. Legal Grounds

In China, infringement of cartoon characters’ intellectual property is primarily handled under the Copyright Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China. According to these laws, unauthorized use of copyrighted works or trademark symbols constitutes infringement and may result in legal liability.

Conclusion

The intellectual property protection of cartoon characters is essential for safeguarding creators' rights and maintaining market order. Through copyright registration and trademark applications, the uniqueness and market value of cartoon characters can be effectively protected. Leveraging professional IP service platforms like Kangxin IP Platform (https://eservice.kangxin.com) enables creators to access comprehensive IP protection solutions more easily. As the market and digital technology evolve, we will continue to explore more efficient and comprehensive IP protection strategies to ensure the healthy development of cartoon characters.