Tech Shout!

International Federation of Phonographic Industries has said that they have won yet another round in the legal battle with Yahoo China.

IFPI has sued Yahoo China over allowing users to search for, play and download pirate music without leaving its website.

Yahoo was found guilty under the new Chinese copyright laws which went into force in 2006.

John Kennedy, Chairman and CEO of IFPI, said: “The ruling against Yahoo China is extremely significant in clarifying copyright rules for internet music services in China.”

The court also had separately ruled on a similar case against Chinese internet company, Baidu. However, Baidu case was brought under the previous Chinese copyright laws. Hence, it was not found guilty and not answerable for copyright infringement.

“We are disappointed that the court did not find Baidu liable, but that judgment was about Baidu’s actions in the past under an old law that is no longer in force. The judgment is irrelevant since it has effectively been superseded by the Yahoo China ruling. Baidu should now prepare to have its actions judged under the new law. We are confident a court would hold Baidu liable as it has Yahoo China,” commented Kennedy on Yahoo and Baidu cases.

Earlier in April 2006, IFPI had written to Yahoo China to take necessary steps to stop such infringement. Yahoo China even began to negotiate with IFPI but later it walked out away from the talks. IFIPI filed the case against Yahoo China in January 2007.