Brother of late Hong Kong singer Anita Mui sues production company behind biopic over alleged trademark violations
- Peter Mui accuses Edko Films of infringing his rights to two registered trademarks in the production, promotion and content of the film Anita, causing him to suffer financial losses
- Besides damages, he is also seeking two injunctions to stop the alleged infringement and a court order for company to hand over materials with the trademarks
The eldest brother of late Canto-pop queen Anita Mui Yim-fong has sued the production company behind a lavish biopic currently screening in Hong Kong over alleged trademark violations.
Peter Mui Kai-ming on Thursday filed a High Court claim accusing Edko Films of infringing his rights to two registered trademarks, including “Anita Mui”, without his authorisation in the production, promotion and content of the film Anita, causing him to suffer an unspecified amount in financial losses.
In addition to damages, he is seeking two injunctions to stop the company from continuing the alleged infringement and another court order for the defendant to hand over all materials bearing the trademarks.
Anita Mui, who died from cervical cancer at the age of 40 in 2003, was the biggest Canto-pop female singer in Hong Kong, dubbed the “Madonna of Asia”.
She was also a celebrated actress who starred in more than 40 films and was honoured with several awards for best actress and best supporting actress both locally and regionally.
The box-office hit Anita, which was released on November 12, chronicles her rise as a child performing at entertainment venues to generational superstar in both music and film. The film also covers personal setbacks she endured in her prime and the solemn final months before her death in December 2003.
Her brother said that given her fame, brands and related trademarks in her name had an extremely high commercial value.