Three global record companies have launched legal proceedings against China’s top Internet search engine, Baidu.com Inc, accusing it of violating copyright by giving access to music files, an international music trade body said.

Universal Music Ltd, Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Hong Kong) Ltd and Warner Music Hong Kong Ltd have asked a court to order Baidu (BIDU.O: Quote,Profile, Research) to remove all links on its music delivery service to copyright-infringing tracks they own the rights to, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry said in a statement.

The claims have been filed with a court in Beijing, said IFPI, which is backed by global music industry heavyweights.

Separate action is also being taken by Universal Music Ltd, Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Hong Kong) Ltd, Warner Music Hong Kong Ltd, as well as Gold Label Entertainment Ltd against Chinese media firm Sohu.com Inc (SOHU.O: Quote, Profile,Research) and its search engine, Sogou, the statement added.

In January 2007 Baidu and EMI Music, the fourth major global record company, launched an advertising-supported online music service in China.

Baidu’s shares fell 6.9 percent to close at $253.49 and Sohu’s shares fell 5.43 percent to $46.29 on the Nasdaq on Tuesday.

Yahoo China also faces proceedings after refusing to comply with a ruling in December by the Beijing Higher People’s Court, which confirmed the company violated Chinese law by committing mass copyright infringement, IFPI added.

Tags: , 1-Music labels take action against Baidu -- IFPI, Music, music news, rock, rock music

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