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Compact case
Case
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Reference no. IMD-3-2342
Published by: International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
Originally published in: 2012
Version: 31.12.2012
Length: 5 pages
Data source: Published sources

Abstract

This is part of a case series. Disney faces a very tough strategic challenge in the Chinese market. By any measures, Disney is a content provider. At the heart of its sprawling business operations lies a film studio that continuously produces enduring characters with blockbuster animations such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and The Lion King. But in China, the problem of DVD piracy eliminates any meaningful differentiation that Disney could have. This is a market in which competitor’s products (in this case pirated DVDs) are exactly the same but with no cost of development. To make matters worse, the clearing process of film screening by the Chinese government can be complicated and time-consuming. At times, before the official movie is even released locally, pirated DVDs based on the international version have already flooded the market. In other words, not only do competitors not need to spend anything on R&D, but also their speed to market is better than Disney! How could Disney respond? Could Disney develop a local product that allows the firm to generate meaningful profits? The teaching note illustrates the unusual but effective solution Disney adopted to address this challenge, leveraging its brand equity in china.
Location:
Size:
40 billion revenue
Other setting(s):
2006-2012

About

Abstract

This is part of a case series. Disney faces a very tough strategic challenge in the Chinese market. By any measures, Disney is a content provider. At the heart of its sprawling business operations lies a film studio that continuously produces enduring characters with blockbuster animations such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and The Lion King. But in China, the problem of DVD piracy eliminates any meaningful differentiation that Disney could have. This is a market in which competitor’s products (in this case pirated DVDs) are exactly the same but with no cost of development. To make matters worse, the clearing process of film screening by the Chinese government can be complicated and time-consuming. At times, before the official movie is even released locally, pirated DVDs based on the international version have already flooded the market. In other words, not only do competitors not need to spend anything on R&D, but also their speed to market is better than Disney! How could Disney respond? Could Disney develop a local product that allows the firm to generate meaningful profits? The teaching note illustrates the unusual but effective solution Disney adopted to address this challenge, leveraging its brand equity in china.

Settings

Location:
Size:
40 billion revenue
Other setting(s):
2006-2012

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