Three major record companies – Universal Music, Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Hong Kong) and Warner Music Hong Kong – have filed legal proceedings against China's leading Internet search engine Baidu.com, accusing it of violating copyright by providing access to music files.

The three companies have requested that a Beijing court order Baidu to remove all links on its music delivery service to copyright-infringing tracks to which they own the rights, Reuters reports, based on a statement by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.

In addition, Universal Music, Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Hong Kong), Warner Music Hong Kong and Gold Label Entertainment have started legal action against Sohu.com, a Chinese media search engine. Yahoo China also faces proceedings, Reuters reports. The Alibaba-owned company has reportedly refused to comply with a December copyright violation ruling by the Beijing Higher People's Court.

Interestingly, these legal actions come at a time when Google has announced plans to target the Chinese market by teaming up with a Chinese company to provide free music downloads.

Last update : Thursday, 07 February 2008

Keywords : Baidu, Sohu, Yahoo China, Universal Music, Sony BMG, Warner Music, Alibaba, Google

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