Chinese NFT platform apologizes for using Hong Kong movie star Louis Koo’s images

Lianwan, a Chinese “digital collectibles” platform that sells blockchain-based images, had claimed it was working with the Hong Kong action star. But Koo’s agency has denied any involvement.

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Fast facts

• On Saturday, Lianwan apologized for using Hong Kong action star Louis Koo Tin-lok’s images without proper authorization, according to the South China Morning Post. 

• Lianwan said it had removed the materials from its platform and that it respects the lawful rights of copyright owners.

• The Chinese non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace had used a poster image of Koo’s 2021 crime thriller “G Storm,” claiming to work with the actor, the movie star’s agency pointed out on Weibo.

• While Lianwan said it used the poster images with authorization from creative agency Anhui Lianmei, the film’s copyright owner and mainland distributor denied having given any permission to Anhui Lianmei or Lianwan.

• In June, Koo announced the launch of the NFT series “OneCool Collective” for his latest sci-fi movie “Warriors of Future.”

• Demand for NFTs remains strong on the mainland despite Beijing’s diktat against flipping.   

See related article: NFT marketplaces responsible for keeping fakes out, Chinese court rules

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