QVOD Fined RMB 260 Mln for Online Piracy
Sina Tech, 6/17/14
The Shenzhen division of China's State Administration of Press and Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) has levied a fine of approximately RMB 260 mln against Shenzhen-based online media player developer and operator QVOD for multiple online piracy violations and a failure to rectify the company's practices.
According to the Bureau of Publication Market Inspection and Administration of Shenzhen, a bureau under the SAPPRFT, QVOD has earned RMB 86.72 mln in revenues from illegally broadcasting movies, television dramas, and variety shows, including Beijing Love Story. Due to QVOD's refusal to cease its infringing activities, despite repeated punitive actions against the company, the bureau has levied a fine totaling approximately three times the revenue gained from the illegal broadcasts, or around RMB 260 mln.
The fine will increase 3% every day past its due date, and the bureau will file a lawsuit forcing QVOD to pay the fine if the company does not comply.
Editor's Note: A representative for the Market Supervision Administration of Shenzhen Municipality has disclosed that the investigation into QVOD is the result of Chinese internet and mobile services firm Tencent (0700.HK) reporting QVOD for copyright infringement. For more information on this topic, please see "QVOD Value-added Telecom Service License Revoked," MD 5/15/14 and "Rumor: Police Raid QVOD Headquarters," MD 4/22/14 issues.
Keywords: online video Internet media player piracy QVOD SAPPRFT IPR infringement penalty regulation
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