Tudou Releases Proof of Youku’s Copyright Foul Play

Dec 19, 2011

Following the recent news that Tudou is suing Youku for 150 million RMB in copyright infringement and Youku is countering the attack by claiming Tudou was distributing exclusive content, Tudou has released proof that they are in the right.

The main content at the centre of the controversy is called “Kangxi Lai Le”, a popular Taiwanese entertainment show Tudou purchased the exclusive rights for. It seems this is a very sensitive and important issue for Tudou who sees Youku as its biggest competitor in the Chinese online video market. Walking through local Beijing subways, I have noticed Tudou ads playing ads for “to Kangxi Lai Le”, in a way to engrain in the public’s mind that it is theirs and not Youku’s.

Here is some evidence, Tudou is using to prove that Youku is unlawfully using their content plus defending against Youku accusations:

A screenshot of Youku, showing Youku pirated 7 episodes and racked up 240 million views

A screenshot of Youku selling ads to make money before running the “Kangxi Lai Le” episodes

A screenshot of “Kangxi Lai Le” hitting number one in the rankings of Youku

A copy of the certification that shows Tudou has the rights to distribute content from the Korean production company, SBS, which Youku claimed was exclusive to them. The certificate says it is “non-exclusive” content.

This fight could get ugly. Perhaps they could produce a series about it and see who gets the most views!