Exclusive: Cartoon maker hits back at Peppa Pig online takedowns

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 4 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AX

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Exclusive: Cartoon maker hits back at Peppa Pig online takedowns

Peppa story-comp.jpg

SConnect has contacted the Vietnamese government following eOne’s letter about YouTube IP takedowns, in an increasingly bitter dispute

The maker of the Wolfoo cartoon has claimed that the trademark owner of Peppa Pig unfairly secured takedowns from YouTube – and has again encouraged Vietnam’s government to protect local businesses.

In a letter sent to various government ministries yesterday, November 7, Vietnam-based SConnect said eOne had “absolutely no right to implement YouTube takedown measures”.

Although eOne would request a takedown, the decision to accept or not would in reality sit with YouTube.

The letter marks the latest twist in what is becoming an increasingly vociferous spat between the pair.

Vietnam-based SConnect has been embroiled in a high-profile trademark and copyright row with eOne, which manages the intellectual property rights to the Peppa Pig franchise.

In the letter, seen by Managing IP, SConnect said responsibility for determining infringement had been pushed onto YouTube and its parent company Google, and that eOne’s takedown requests were made on false pretences.

The latest development follows an intervention from eOne last month. The entertainment company contacted Vietnam’s government to argue that courts should be the appropriate forum for resolving IP disputes.

EOne was responding to an earlier round of lobbying in which the Vietnam Digital Communications Association said YouTube takedown requests were causing heavy damage to SConnect.

EOne said at the time it had simply followed YouTube’s takedown procedures.

However, in yesterday’s letter, SConnect said eOne’s claim that it had a valid reason to request takedowns from YouTube was “completely false”. SConnect said it is the sole owner of the Wolfoo series and eOne does not own any rights to Wolfoo, including characters and sets.

However, Managing IP understands eOne has never claimed ownership of the Wolfoo content – only that the cartoon itself, including its background setting and music, infringed the company’s rights to Peppa Pig.

The SConnect letter added: “EOne is performing acts of infringement and causing serious damage to SConnect but denies the whole thing and pushes responsibility to a third party – YouTube”.

The dispute forms part of a multijurisdictional battle between eOne and SConnect. In January, eOne sued SConnect at the England and Wales High Court, alleging copyright and trademark infringement and passing off.

SConnect has also sued eOne at the Hanoi People’s Court, though Managing IP understands a claim form has not been served yet.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Directors at the firm explain how the drafting tool works, and why they may need to strengthen their team post-launch
A diversity pledge for in-house IP lawyers and well-known trademark recognition for Taj were also among the top talking points this week
Counsel are expecting policies that are favourable to patent owners and say the fear factor over applying for patents may diminish
Douglas Carsten says he is keen to increase fee earner headcount in the firm’s San Diego office, which opened this week
The deal could mean that hundreds of licensees in the pool would have access to a broader range of VVC patents
INTA’s foray into the business of law, including why IP is crucial to third-party investors, is a sign of the times
Tilleke & Gibbins’s Indonesia director explains why the firm’s regional presence is a blessing, the threat posed by new practices, and where she sees opportunities
Jane Møller Nielsen explains why a love for linguistics can help build a successful IP career, and reveals the Pippi Longstocking quote that inspires her
The UK Supreme Court will hear another trademark case in Dairy UK v Oatly, this time centring on the registrability of regulated terminology
Law firm leaders explain how due diligence and AI-related advice are providing opportunities and how they navigate the associated challenges
Gift this article