Hongmeng Zhixing Says It Filed 171 Complaints and Platforms Removed 144 Items Over Viral “竹知了” Parodies

Overview

• Hongmeng Zhixing told reporters on August 4 that it monitored about 56,000 online items related to the “竹知了” meme and filed complaints against 171 specific pieces of content, with platforms reporting removal of 144 items.
• The company said its complaints targeted clear infringements such as malicious edits, fake or manipulated executive voices, AI‑altered portraits and false attribution, and it emphasized those actions were routine rights protection rather than a ban on the toy.
• Independent bloggers posted examples they say show impersonation and defamatory listings, including product pages and videos that pair the toy with images or phrases invoking Huawei executives, keeping the controversy in public view.
• Some commentators and social posts say the legal complaints enlarged public attention and encouraged more parody, while other voices have escalated the issue by framing it as coordinated or politically driven.
• The episode highlights tensions in China between corporate takedown efforts and meme culture, and it may prompt closer scrutiny of how platforms review infringement claims and how companies balance reputation protection with free expression.