Chinese firm makes 'Ultraman' film without copyright permission

A Chinese company has produced a film featuring the Japanese superhero "Ultraman" without gaining copyright permission, it has been learned.

In a statement issued on July 19, Tsuburaya Productions Co. -- which is the copyright owner of the Ultraman character -- slammed the Chinese company, BlueArc Animation Studios Co., for using the superhero in a new film without its authorization.

Tsuburaya stated that it will "take firm action including legal measures" against BlueArc Animation Studios and other parties related to the making of the movie.

According to Tsuburaya, BlueArc Animation Studios announced the release of its new film, "Dragon Force: So Long Ultraman" on July 10. It is thought that a man wearing a muscular Ultraman costume appeared at this public announcement, and that he has also featured in the trailer for the film.

However, the Japanese company insists that, "The movie was made without our permission or supervision."