Tech Shout!

Shenzhen Xunlei Networking Technology (Xunlei, which translates to “Thunderbolt”), one of China’s most renowned P2P file-sharing network operators, has been dragged to court by the Motion Picture Association, on the charges of copyright violation and seeks damages and legal costs of yuan 7 million ($980,000).

“Spider-Man 3,” “War of the Worlds” and “Miami Vice” are amongst the 32 MPA member companies’ titles included in the objections.

The studios want to Xunlei to admit the violations in public, and also promise to not repeat such an action again in the future.

According to MPA, Xunlei runs and makes available software that backs the illegal P2P broadcasting of several titles. This gives way to search and linking services and is used to stream and/or download films hosted on several systems on the web.

Xunlei was sent 78 notices of infringement by MPA’s legal team. The notices were sent more than five weeks before kicking off the proceedings.

Variety quoted Frank Rittman, the MPA’s VP, deputy regional director and regional legal counsel for the Asia-Pacific stating, “These actions demonstrate that copyright holders can and will vigorously defend their property by any legal means, including redress before the courts where necessary.” Adding, “P2P piracy is a huge problem in China, which if left unattended, will threaten the continued development of legitimate online services supported by copyright owners.”

The plaintiffs involved in the case against Xunlei include big names such as Twentieth Century Fox International, Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Buena Vista International, Universal International Films and Warner Bros.

Apparently, in 2007, internet giant Google made a US$5 million investment in Xunlei, in exchange for a 4% stake in the Chinese company.