Software maker sues China, computer makers for allegedly pirating Internet filte

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Software maker sues China, computer makers for allegedly pirating Internet filtering software


LOS ANGELES January 5, 2010 (AP)
The Associated Press



China pirated the code to a U.S. software maker's Internet content filtering software, incorporating it into the censorware it uses to block Chinese citizens' access to sites the government deemed politically undesirable, a lawsuit filed Tuesday said.


Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Cybersitter LLC made the allegations in a lawsuit brought against China and seven major computer makers, including Sony, Lenovo and Toshiba. The company is seeking $2.2 billion in damages.

"This lawsuit aims to strike a blow against the all-too-common practices of foreign software manufacturers and distributors who believe that they can violate the intellectual property rights of small American companies with impunity without being brought to justice in U.S. courts," Cybersitter attorney Greg Fayer said.

Cybersitter's software was designed to help parents filter content seen by children.

The manufacturers distributed the Chinese program — called Green Dam Youth Escort — even after learning of allegations the content filters were illegally copied, Cybersitter said.

The Chinese government issued a mandate requiring all computer manufacturers to bundle the Green Damn software with any computer sold in China after July 1, 2009.

While the mandate subsequently was reversed, the defendants allegedly continued to distribute millions of copies of Green Dam to further the Chinese government's efforts to control Internet access, Cybersitter said.

The lawsuit alleges misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair competition, copyright infringement and conspiracy.