Disney has launched a copyright investigation over Taiwan’s new Otherworld theme park. The probe focuses on the park’s large pink fantasy castle with blue rooftops, which closely resembles design elements from Disney’s Shanghai Disneyland. This development has raised concerns in Taiwan’s amusement park industry and attracted significant media attention.
The Otherworld theme park opened in July in Dalin Township, Chiayi County. Local media quickly called it “Taiwan’s first Disney-style attraction” because of its fairy-tale castle. Disney’s copyright investigation targets a construction company rumored to have worked on the park.
Hung Meng International Corporation, known for building Disneyland parks in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and California, appears linked to the project. This company also completed several notable projects in Taiwan. However, Jian Ting, chairperson of Hung Meng, firmly denies any connection between his company and the Otherworld castle.
Jian stated that Hung Meng International maintains strict confidentiality agreements with Disney and the French design team involved in Shanghai Disneyland’s development. He insists that his company did not use any design elements or materials from Disney projects in constructing the Otherworld castle. Hung Meng’s headquarters operate in Tainan, Taiwan, and Guangdong, China.
This copyright investigation launched by Disney highlights rising tensions over intellectual property rights in the theme park industry. The case also prompts questions about the originality of designs in new parks across Taiwan and beyond. As the amusement park market expands, companies must innovate while respecting copyright laws.
Industry experts believe the probe’s outcome could influence future partnerships between international corporations and local firms in Asia. It also stresses the need for clear legal boundaries in creative industries. For Disney, protecting its brand and designs remains a top priority as it maintains its global competitive edge.
Investigators will likely examine construction contracts and design documents tied to the Otherworld castle. Their findings could result in legal actions or settlement negotiations. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s theme park sector will watch closely as this high-profile copyright investigation launched by Disney unfolds.
