The TV series Water Margin, consisting of 86 episodes, has been shown on 10 international channels and 4 satellite TV channels as of January 1, 2010. However, many video websites have shown this TV series prior to release by the TV studio. The copyright ownership of this TV series is hotly debated. Beijing Sun-shine Company claims to have the exclusive right of communication information network of the Water Margin series.

However, the period of authorization starts a full 36 months after the show first legally released through network channels. Investors of the new Water Margin issued a statement declaring that they have never provided any websites or other companies using any medium permission to show the series through wireless or cable channels such as Internet, wireless network, and IPTV. They state a claim that any related websites and companies must stop the infringing acts immediately.