China Written Works Copyright Society (CWWCS) submitted an application to National Copyright Administration recently calling for an investigation of Baidu Library’s infringement and appealing for an administrative penalty for “Baidu’s infringement act”, according to Zhang Hongbo, Deputy Executive Director of CWWCS. So far, Baidu provides no response.

 

Wang Ran, a researcher specializing in cyber economy in University of Lougborough stated that, based on the current laws and regulations of China, no clear legal definition can be drawn on cases like Baidu. If the National Copyright Administration approves CWWCS’s application, decides on the infringement of Baidu and further exerts administrative penalty, it may set up a benchmark for ruling on similar disputes. The decision may spark chain reactions on Baidu Library, Baidu Music and other Baidu sectors, as well as compel KuGoo (a music search engine) and other content providers to adjust operation strategies with respect of copyright issues.