Writer’s group sues Apple

Rm24mil compensation sought over sale of unlicensed copies of books

BEIJING: A group of Chinese writers have filed a claim against Apple, alleging that the company’s App Store sells unlicensed copies of their books and seeking 50 million yuan (Rm24.1mil) in compensation.

The claim, filed on behalf of 22 famous writers, involves 95 books that have allegedly been sold as pirated copies on Apple’s App Store.

The writers, including Han Han, He Ma and Nanpai Sanshu, have teamed up and set up a writers’ rights alliance.

The alliance has already sent a lawyer’s letter to Apple and is waiting for the company’s reply, said Bei Zhicheng, head of the alliance.

The group said Apple takes a 30% cut from app sales on the platform.

The group also claimed that when the Californian company was notified about the pirated content, it was too slow in removing the products.

Public relations spokesman for Apple Huang Yu’na said in an e-mail to the media that Apple understands the importance of protecting intellectual property rights.

The company will “respond properly and timely” to complaints.

The National Copyright Administration confirmed on Saturday that the App Store is suspected of piracy and copyright infringement, but it has to consult with other “relevant departments” to make a judgment.

Meanwhile, Apple and Chinese electronics firm Proview Shenzhen are still sparring in courts over the lengthy ipad trademark case, while the Chinese company is seeking to have ipad sales blocked.