WASHINGTON (Yonhap News) ― In its first formal response to a North Korean performance featuring Disney characters without authorization, the U.S. government on Monday stressed the importance of protecting intellectual property rights.

“All countries should abide by the rules and laws of international commerce, including respect for IPR,” a State Department spokesperson told Yonhap News Agency on the customary condition of anonymity.

The remarks came after North Korea’s state media showed Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh taking the stage in North Korea during a concert for new leader Kim Jong-un last week.

Performers danced while clips of Disney movies such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Snow White” and “Dumbo” played on a paneled backdrop for the show in Pyongyang.

Walt Disney Co. announced that it had not authorized or licensed North Korea’s use of the company’s characters.

The State Department focused on the issue of intellectual property rights rather than a possible positive impact from North Korea’s embrace of characters viewed as symbols of U.S. culture.

“We advocate for the effective protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights around the world,” the official said. “This fosters innovation and creativity, promotes economic development, increases U.S. business and private sector growth and investment ― including foreign investment ― and creates fair market access and consumer choices for goods and services.”