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April 22, 2016

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TV firm has no plans to leave 鈥榙ynamic market鈥

DUTCH TV producer Talpa said it plans to remain in China’s “young and dynamic” market despite a trademark dispute over hit show “The Voice of China.”

Talpa said it has teamed up with Beijing-based Talent International Film Co to make the next season of “The Voice of China.” It is also suing its previous Chinese partner for illegally using the name and logo for another show. “The Voice” features celebrities who coach amateur talent through a series of contests.

Talpa CEO Pim Schmitz said the trademark dispute will not result in any changes to the company’s China business plan because it is “normal” and “part of the business.”

He added that the company is planning to expand in China’s “relatively young entertainment market,” which is demanding interesting, original programming and foreign formats.

Apart from introducing more successful Talpa formats to China, the company also plans to co-produce original programming designed for the Chinese market, he said.

Talpa partnered with Star China to produce four seasons of “The Voice of China,” but the partnership turned sour after the two sides failed to agree on license fees and other terms, according to Talpa. Star China has accused Talpa of demanding exorbitant license fees and is prepared to launch its own version of the talent show. However, Talpa said it owns the trademark and blamed Star China for refusing to pay a reasonable fee despite the show’s growing popularity.

Talpa has filed a suit against an affiliate of Star China and another Chinese company for illegally using its logos and graphics. A Beijing court accepted the case in March.

It remains unclear whether the suit will dent the popularity of the latest season of the show, which now faces fierce competition from a host of other variety shows, both foreign and domestic.


 

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