Case Digests
In-depth analysis of landmark IP litigation cases in China. Our AI-powered digests provide key holdings, strategic implications, and practical insights for intellectual property practitioners.
Beijing High Court Upholds PUBG Copyright Victory Against Chinese Film "Biubiubiu" in Landmark Gaming IP Case
Beijing High People's Court • 7/31/2025
We won at the Beijing High People's Court a landmark victory for South Korean gaming giant Krafton Inc. against Chinese film producers who created "Biubiubiu," a live-action movie that substantially copied core elements from the globally popular video game PUBG (PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds). The court found that the defendants infringed Krafton's copyright by replicating specific game mechanisms (airdrop boxes, DBNO rescue system, loot boxes), distinctive architectural designs (fake garages, sea-view buildings, bungalows), and the iconic male character wearing a yellow tracksuit with an Afro hairstyle. Beyond copyright infringement, the court also ruled that defendants engaged in unfair competition by using PUBG's reputation and distinctive elements to mislead audiences into believing the film was an official adaptation. The decision establishes crucial precedents for protecting video game intellectual property in China's rapidly growing digital entertainment market, particularly regarding the boundaries between ideas and protected expression in interactive media. The court awarded RMB 5.53 million in damages while rejecting claims for punitive damages, balancing strong IP protection with recognition that not all game elements warrant copyright protection.
Apple App Store copyright cases
Represented Apple in more than 140 copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and unfair competition disputes related to Apple App Store. Many of these cases were selected as the annual "Top 10 IP Cases" by the National Intellectual Property Administration and the Beijing High Court.