The plaintiffs announced that they have filed several suits against both Baidu and QVOD, seeking RMB 300
Both companies provide video search engine services as well as software video players. The MPAA and other plaintiffs allege that Baidu and QVOD provide links to infringing material. Furthermore, they point out that the services often display the video content on their own websites, depriving the original host site of ad revenue.
Baidu has seen its share of copyright headaches. Earlier this month, it shut down its digital file marketplace due to complaints of rampant infringement. That said, Baidu and QVOD are hardly the only Chinese internet companies to face accusations that they benefit from infringement. Tencent and Sohu have both been held liable for copyright violations in the past, and Youku was sued by then-competitor Tudou for infringement before the two merged in 2012.
