Otaku 1 - Avex 0

[Archaic]

http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20051001p2a00m0et010000c.html

Netizens force company to abandon copycat character

Avex Group Holdings has said that it would not attach a promotional video of the popular "Noma Neko" character to the "Koi no Maiahi" hit song CD after Internet users claimed it resembled the "Mona" character frequently seen on "Ni-Channel" bulletin board.

"Noma Neko" appeared in the video for the song "Koi no Maiahi," the Japanese title for "Dragostea Din Tei," by Moldovan band O-Zone.

Group firm Avex Network has put T-shirts and other goods featuring the character on sale.

Many people criticized the move on the Internet, saying they are opposed to Avex using the "Noma Neko" character based on "Mona" to increase sales.

In response, the Avex Holdings Group had earlier said on its Web site that "Noma Neko" was an adaptation of "Mona."

"Inspired by 'Mona' and other ASCII art characters, we made the 'Noma Neko' character by adding our own touches," Avex said, adding that it believed 'Noma Neko' was totally different from 'Mona.'"

But Avex Holdings Group said on its site on Friday that it would not attach the Noma Neko promotional video to the "Koi no Maiahi" CD, and would ask a company handling the copyright of the character not to apply for an official trademark as a graphic character.

Avex said the group had decided to stop distributing the "Noma Neko" character video because it caused a stir among Internet users.

"In order to ease concerns, we have decided to stop the release of the promotional video and abandon the trademark application for 'Noma Neko,'" it said. (Mainichi)

 

[Zhen Lin]

Bahaha, Maiyahi strikes again!

Some Maiyahi animations. More.

I also note that 2chan has been spelt out in full as 'ni-channel'...

 

[Kadabra]

All fear Mona! D: