A Milestone in Digital Content Copyright Protection: Insights from the Honor of Kings Character Skin Copyright Case
I. Introduction: The Importance of Digital Content Copyright Protection
In the digital era, the creation and dissemination of games, music, films, and other digital assets have become unprecedentedly convenient, but they also usher in new challenges for copyright protection. On 30 April 2025, the Sichuan High People’s Court issued a landmark ruling in a case involving the infringement of Honor of Kings character skins. The judgment not only sets a new milestone for the protection of digital content but also sparks widespread public attention to intellectual-property rights.
II. Background and Case Details
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Case Background
Honor of Kings, a phenomenal mobile game, commands a massive user base and a wealth of digital creations. Character skins are not only a core part of players’ personalized experiences; they also constitute a crucial intellectual-property portfolio for Tencent. Unfortunately, these valuable digital assets were targeted by infringers.
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Infringing Acts
In October 2024, blogger Liu Mou illegally released leaked videos of unreleased Honor of Kings character skins on social media, attracting a large following. Liu used the videos to drive traffic to his e-commerce store, generating hundreds of thousands of RMB in sales. This unauthorized publication and commercial exploitation severely violated Tencent’s copyrights.
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Legal Action
Upon discovering the infringement, Tencent promptly filed suit. On 30 April 2025, the Sichuan High People’s Court ruled that Liu’s actions constituted criminal copyright infringement, sentencing him to three years’ imprisonment (suspended for five years) and ordering compensation for Tencent’s economic losses.
III. Legal Analysis
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Copyright Recognition
Under the Copyright Law, game character skins qualify as artistic works and enjoy full legal protection. Liu’s unauthorized release and commercial use constituted infringement. The court’s decision clarifies the scope of copyright protection for digital content and provides a legal reference for similar cases.
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Criminal Proceedings with Civil Claims
This case marks the first instance in Chengdu of criminal IP proceedings combined with a civil lawsuit. The hybrid procedure not only imposes criminal liability but also secures civil damages, underscoring a comprehensive approach to intellectual-property protection.
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Deterrent Effect of the Law
The ruling sends an unequivocal warning: unauthorized distribution and commercial exploitation of digital content will be severely sanctioned. This safeguards right holders’ legitimate interests and preserves fair market competition.
IV. Business Analysis
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Commercial Value of Digital Content
Character skins are integral to player identity and a major revenue stream for game companies. Through skin sales and derivative merchandise, Tencent has realized substantial profits. Liu’s infringement not only undermined Tencent’s economic interests but also disrupted normal market order.
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The Imperative of Brand Protection
For game companies, brand protection is key to sustaining competitiveness. As a leading franchise, Honor of Kings’ brand equity is directly tied to the protection of its character skins. By taking legal action, Tencent safeguarded both its financial interests and its brand reputation.
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Industry Impact
The case has galvanized industry-wide discussion on digital-content copyright, prompting other game companies to strengthen IP management and fostering healthier sector-wide development.
V. Case Studies and Solutions
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Industry Precedents
Music: In 2024, NetEase Cloud Music was ordered to compensate rights holders for unauthorized streaming, spotlighting copyright management on music platforms.
Film & TV: In 2023, a production company was required to pay damages and cease infringement after using a script without authorization, reinforcing script copyrights.
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Recommended Solutions
• Enhance Copyright Management: Game companies should implement robust copyright systems, including rigorous registration and oversight of digital assets.
• Technical Measures: Employ blockchain and other technologies for rights confirmation and provenance tracking to prevent unauthorized use.
• Legal Education: Strengthen IP-awareness campaigns for creators and users to cultivate respect for intellectual-property rights.
VI. Conclusion: The Future of Digital Content Copyright Protection
The Honor of Kings character skin copyright ruling sets a new benchmark for safeguarding digital content. It underscores the critical importance of copyright and demonstrates the legal system’s resolve to protect intellectual property. As technology evolves and legal frameworks mature, digital-content copyright protection will improve further. Game companies, creators, and users must collaborate to foster a fair, transparent digital marketplace.
