Shanda Literature to Sue Du8 for Copyright Infringement
Sina Tech, 1/10/09
A spokesperson for Shanda Literature, a division of Chinese online game developer and operator Shanda (Nasdaq: SNDA), has stated that the company plans to begin legal proceedings against Chinese online literature site Du8.com for copyright infringement. Shanda Literature alleges that Du8 featured an unauthorized sequel for Shanda Literature's online novel Star Change. Shanda Literature also stated that the authors involved in writing the unauthorized work have publicly apologized, and are now writing for Shanda's online literature site, Qidian.com.
Du8.com however has stated that in April 2008 it consulted with legal professionals over the matter, who confirmed that continuations and sequels of copyrighted works do not constitute copyright infringement, which is the reason why Qidian.com had not previously contacted Du8.com regarding the matter. According to Du8.com, the authors were bullied by Qidian.com into issuing apologies and should not be made scapegoats for an issue between the two websites.
Editor's Note: Shanda recently acquired the online game development rights to Star Change.
Keywords: Du8 copyright Internet online literature Qidian Shanda Shanda Literature SNDA Star Change IPR infringement law litigation
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