From Chinese Press

Protect copyright laws

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-03-30 07:42

The negotiation between Baidu.com, China's most popular search engine, and about 50 authors broke down recently. And since Baidu Wenku online library claims to be a platform where books are shared and downloaded free of cost and refuses that it has violated copyright laws, the number of authors criticizing Baidu is increasing, says an article in Beijing Times. Excerpts:

Though Baidu has softened its stance, it still has not admitted that it has infringed upon authors' copyrights. But Baidu is under greater moral pressure because more authors are condemning it now. Besides, Baidu is observing people's opinions, and has been careful not to say anything that could be used against it as legal evidence later.

Netizens and other observers, however, should know that authors are finding it more difficult to protect their rights because several judgments have gone against them.

Worse, an increasing number of people are becoming indifferent to copyright laws because of the Internet, a point also used by Baidu in its defense. Because of their failure to tell right from wrong people cannot differentiate between ambiguity in copyright laws and deliberate attempts by businesses to cash in on the loopholes.

Businesses should strike the right balance between honoring authors' rights and making their works available to a wider group of readers. But by using the "safe harbor rule", Baidu Wenku in essence has twisted copyright rules to cover up its management deficiency.

Readers, too, have an important role to play. Only by helping protect authors' rights can they prevent piracy and enjoy the pleasure of books.

(China Daily 03/30/2011 page9)