Chinese basketball star Yao Ming appears to be grasping the fine points of Western-style marketing as quickly as a zone defense.
Yao announced last week that Atlanta-based Coca-Cola is using his image without permission on a new line of commemorative Coke bottles in China that feature Yao and two other members of the Chinese national team.
“I have never permitted Coca-Cola to use my image to promote their products,” Yao said in a statement. “I require Coca-Cola to withdraw immediately all the products bearing my image and all promotional materials which use my name or images.”
Coca-Cola said it can use Yao’s image based on a three-year deal it signed with the Chinese Sports Management Company, which gives the soft drink giant permission to use pictures of the national team on products.
Meanwhile, Yao last week announced a new international deal with Purchase, NY-based Pepsi. Yao, who inked a U.S. sponsorship with Pepsi’s Gatorade brand earlier this year, will be featured on Pepsi cans, posters and TV spots in China. He may also appear in Pepsi promotions in the U.S.
