Latest news with #ThePinkfongCompany
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Court finds Baby Shark not a rip-off
SEOUL: South Korea's Supreme Court has ruled that the globally popular children's song 'Baby Shark' was not plagiarised, dismissing a copyright claim from a US composer. With its catchy tune and lyrics, the 'Baby Shark Dance' video is the most-watched on YouTube, with over 16 billion views. This is roughly double the views of the second-place video, 'Despacito', and triple the third-place video, 'Wheels on the Bus'. In 2019, New York-based composer Jonathan Wright, known as Johnny Only, filed a lawsuit in Seoul. He alleged that the 2015 hit by South Korean educational company SmartStudy copied a song he had released in 2011. Only was seeking 30 million won (RM90,980) in compensation, claiming that the firm had copied elements of his work, including the bassline and rhythm. SmartStudy, now known as The Pinkfong Company, argued that its version was an adaptation of a traditional North American children's tune that is not protected by copyright. A South Korean lower court initially cleared the company of the charges in 2021, ruling that there was insufficient evidence of copyright infringement. This decision was upheld by an appeals court in 2023. Only then challenged the 2023 decision, but South Korea's Supreme Court affirmed the lower court rulings on Thursday. According to court documents seen by AFP, "all appeals were dismissed and the lower court's rulings were upheld." In a statement, The Pinkfong Company said the Supreme Court's decision confirmed that 'Baby Shark' was "based on a traditional singalong chant that has entered the public domain."
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Top court rules ‘Baby Shark' song not plagiarised
THE top court here has ruled that the globally-popular South Korean children's song Baby Shark was not plagiarised, rejecting a copyright claim filed by a US-based composer. With its catchy lyrics, the Baby Shark Dance video is the most viewed on YouTube with more than 16 billion views, roughly double those of the runner-up, Despacito and third place, Wheels on the Bus. In 2019, New York composer Johnny Only, whose legal name is Jonathan Wright, filed a lawsuit in Seoul, alleging that the 2015 hit Baby Shark by South Korean education start-up SmartStudy copied a song he had released in 2011. Only demanded 30 million won in compensation, accusing the firm of copying elements of his work, including its bassline and rhythm. SmartStudy, now known as The Pinkfong Company, argued that its version was an adaptation of a classic North American children's tune that is not protected by copyright. A South Korean lower court initially cleared the company of the charges at a trial in 2021, finding that there was insufficient evidence of copyright infringement. That ruling was upheld by an appeal court in 2023. Only then challenged the 2023 decision, but South Korea's Supreme Court affirmed the lower court rulings yesterday. 'All appeals were dismissed and the lower court's rulings were upheld,' according to court documents seen by AFP. The Pinkfong Company said it had given 'a fresh twist to the chant by adding an upbeat rhythm and catchy melody, turning it into the pop culture icon it is today'. — AFP
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
South Korean top court rules 'Baby Shark' not plagiarised
SmartStudy, now known as The Pinkfong Company, argued that its version was an adaptation of a classic North American children's tune that is not protected by copyright. - YouTube SEOUL: South Korea's top court ruled Thursday (Aug 14) that the globally popular South Korean children's song "Baby Shark" was not plagiarised, rejecting a copyright claim filed by a US-based composer. With its catchy lyrics, the "Baby Shark Dance" video is the most viewed on YouTube, with more than 16 billion views, roughly double those of the runner-up, "Despacito", and third-place "Wheels on the Bus". In 2019, New York composer Johnny Only, whose legal name is Jonathan Wright, filed a lawsuit in Seoul, alleging that the 2015 hit "Baby Shark" by South Korean education startup SmartStudy copied a song he had released in 2011. Only demanded 30 million won (US$21,700) in compensation, accusing the firm of copying elements of his work, including its bassline and rhythm. SmartStudy, now known as The Pinkfong Company, argued that its version was an adaptation of a classic North American children's tune that is not protected by copyright. A South Korean lower court initially cleared the company of the charges at a trial in 2021, finding that there was insufficient evidence of copyright infringement. That ruling was upheld by an appeal court in 2023. Only then challenged the 2023 decision, but South Korea's Supreme Court affirmed the lower court rulings on Thursday. "All appeals were dismissed and the lower court's rulings were upheld," according to court documents seen by AFP. The Pinkfong Company said in a statement Thursday that the Supreme Court's decision confirmed "Baby Shark" was "based on a traditional singalong chant that has entered the public domain". The company said it had given "a fresh twist to the chant by adding an upbeat rhythm and catchy melody, turning it into the pop culture icon it is today". Only did not immediately reply to an AFP request for comment. He told Canadian public broadcaster CBC in 2019 that he had created a toddler-friendly version of "Baby Shark" in 2011, revising the original song, which was about a gory shark attack. "I was the first one that did that (rewriting the song), you know? And basically Pinkfong's version does the same thing," he said in the interview. - AFP
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
South Korean top court rules 'Baby Shark' not plagiarised
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SmartStudy, now known as The Pinkfong Company, argued that its version was an adaptation of a classic North American children's tune that is not protected by copyright. Seoul - South Korea's top court ruled on Aug 14 that the globally popular South Korean children's song 'Baby Shark' was not plagiarised, rejecting a copyright claim filed by a US-based composer. With its catchy lyrics, the 'Baby Shark Dance' video is the most viewed on YouTube, with more than 16 billion views, roughly double those of the runner-up, 'Despacito', and third-place 'Wheels on the Bus'. In 2019, New York composer Johnny Only, whose legal name is Jonathan Wright, filed a lawsuit in Seoul, alleging that the 2015 hit 'Baby Shark' by South Korean education startup SmartStudy copied a song he had released in 2011. Only demanded 30 million won (S$27,750) in compensation, accusing the firm of copying elements of his work, including its bassline and rhythm. SmartStudy, now known as The Pinkfong Company, argued that its version was an adaptation of a classic North American children's tune that is not protected by copyright. A South Korean lower court initially cleared the company of the charges at a trial in 2021, finding that there was insufficient evidence of copyright infringement. That ruling was upheld by an appeal court in 2023. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Jalan Bukit Merah fire: SCDF says PMD battery could have started fatal blaze Singapore 4 housebreaking suspects taken to Bukit Timah crime scene under police escort Asia India, Singapore ministers discuss deeper tie-ups in digitalisation, skills, industrial parks Business More seniors remain employed after retirement and re-employment ages raised in 2022: MOM study Asia From Brazil to Vietnam: How footballer Rafaelson became Vietnam's favourite 'Son' Singapore To Vers or not to Vers: How will this scheme affect HDB prices? Asia Malaysian MP Rafizi says his son was jabbed with syringe in planned attack, threatened with Aids Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength Only then challenged the 2023 decision, but South Korea's Supreme Court affirmed the lower court rulings on Aug 14. 'All appeals were dismissed and the lower court's rulings were upheld,' according to court documents seen by AFP. The Pinkfong Company said in a statement on Aug 14 that the Supreme Court's decision confirmed 'Baby Shark' was 'based on a traditional singalong chant that has entered the public domain'. The company said it had given 'a fresh twist to the chant by adding an upbeat rhythm and catchy melody, turning it into the pop culture icon it is today'. Only did not immediately reply to an AFP request for comment. He told Canadian public broadcaster CBC in 2019 that he had created a toddler-friendly version of 'Baby Shark' in 2011, revising the original song, which was about a gory shark attack. 'I was the first one that did that (rewriting the song), you know? And basically Pinkfong's version does the same thing,' he said in the interview. AFP
Cision Canada
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
SPLASH INTO STYLE WITH THE BABY SHARK x SHEIN COLLECTION
SHEIN Teams up with The Pinkfong Company for a Fun Fashion Collaboration Inspired by the Global Sensation's 10-Year Anniversary LOS ANGELES, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ -- Dive into jaw-dropping styles and bite-sized fun! SHEIN, the global fashion and lifestyle online retailer, has partnered with The Pinkfong Company to launch a limited-edition Baby Shark x SHEIN Collection. Designed with the whole family in mind, this playful and affordable collection of apparel and accessories is perfect for summer and sure to serve jaw-some looks from the beach to the pool to catching zzz's. To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Pinkfong's Baby Shark, the Baby Shark x SHEIN Collection dives into the world of Carnivore Cove with bold hues, playful patterns, and the fin-tastic spirit of everyone's favorite underwater crew. From matching family looks to cute styles for little ones and big fits for Mommy Shark and Daddy Shark, this special-edition collection features fun apparel and accessories for women, men, and kids ages 6 months to 12 years old. "We are thrilled to collaborate with SHEIN to celebrate Baby Shark's 10 years with this fun and stylish collection," said Bryan Park, Senior Global Licensing Manager at The Pinkfong Company. "We're always looking for new ways to connect with families and fans around the world, and this partnership brings even more styles – whether customers are singing along at home or showing off their favorite Baby Shark look out and about." The Baby Shark x SHEIN Collection is a co-branded clothing and accessories line featuring 98 apparel pieces and 19 accessories. With prices ranging from $2 to $25, the collection has all your summer must-haves, including everything from swimwear, dresses, and pajamas to water bottles and towels. The collection is available now, exclusively at SHEIN. Fans can shop the looks at and share their favorite pieces on social media using #BabySharkxSHEIN. About SHEIN SHEIN is a global online fashion and lifestyle retailer offering SHEIN-branded apparel and products from a global network of vendors, all at affordable prices. Headquartered in Singapore, SHEIN is committed to making the beauty of fashion accessible to all, promoting its industry-leading, on-demand production methodology for a smarter, future-ready industry. To learn more about SHEIN, visit About The Pinkfong Company The Pinkfong Company is a global entertainment company that delivers content and entertaining experiences around the world. Driven by award-winning brands and IPs, the company has created and distributed a range of content across genres and formats including original animated series, world live tours, interactive games, and more. Believing in the power of entertaining and engaging content, The Pinkfong Company is committed to connecting people around the world and bringing joy and inspiration to worldwide audiences of all ages. For more information, please visit the website or follow the company on LinkedIn. Press Contacts Kate Fosha George Alexa Sayre
