The Houston Rockets star has accused the Chinese arm of Coca-Cola of infringing on his image rights after the soft drinks company painted his photo on its products.
On the latest packages of its product line, Coca-Cola Company painted a three-man photo of Yao Ming, Menk Bateer and Guo Shiqiang wearing Chinese national team shirts.
Said Ming in a statement: "I have never permitted Coca-Cola to use my image to promote their products. I require Coca-Cola to withdraw all the products bearing my image and all promotion materials which use my names or images immediately. I reserve the right to sue this company."
The Coca-Cola Company have countered Yao's claim stating that they have a contract with the agent of the Chinese national men's basketball team, Chinese Sports Management Company, which approves Coca-Cola to use the image of the Chinese team.
NBA's latest basketball star Yao Ming has become embroiled in a row with Coca-Cola over a perceived infringement of his image rights.
