China accused of pirating internet software

Cybersitter, whose program is designed to help parents filter content seen by children, is demanding 2.2bn damages.

The company alleges that the Chinese copied its codes and incorporated them into software used to block Chinese citizens' access to websites deemed politically undesirable by the government. Seven computer manufacturers, including Sony, Lenovo, and Toshiba, also were sued for distributing the Chinese program with PCs sold in the country.

"I don't think I have ever seen such clear-cut stealing," said lawyer Gregory Fayer, who represents Santa Barbara-based Cybersitter.

He said the alleged piracy was discovered by a university researcher who posted a report on internet filtering programs online.

Mr Fayer said Chinese software makers appeared to have downloaded the program from the Cybersitter server and copied more than 3,000 lines of code, then incorporated it into their program, Green Dam Youth Escort.

"They did a sloppy job of copying," said Mr Fayer, noting that they included directions on how to get to the Cybersitter site.

Last year, the Chinese government issued an order requiring computer manufacturers to pre-install or supply Green Dam Youth Escort software with PCs made for sale in China.

It later backed down after a major outcry from Chinese citizens and computer companies. Although Chinese authorities had said the Green Dam system was needed to block access to violent and obscene material, analysts who reviewed the program say it also filters out material the government considered politically objectionable.

The lawsuit says that while the mandate was reversed, the computer makers continued to distribute Green Dam with its computers in China even after learning the software was pirated.

Those named in the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles were Sony, Lenovo, Toshiba, Acer, AsusteK, BenQ and Haier.

The complaint alleges misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair competition, copyright infringement and conspiracy among others.