Baidu.com, one of China's largest internet search engines, has
got approval from a leading Chinese language record company to
provide free music for online users, signaling a new approach from
record companies looking to cooperate with websites rather than
confront them.
The deal will see Internet advertising put on display while
users listen to the music, with Rock Records Co. Ltd. and Baidu set
to share revenues generated in this manner.
"This partnership reflects growing industry recognition of the
advertising-supported free music streaming model," said Baidu
chairman and CEO Robin Li.
Sam Duann, founder of Rock Records Co. Ltd., said "By using
Baidu's leading position in the Chinese language search market and
its unparalleled premier digital music platform, this partnership
will satisfy to music lovers, record companies and advertisers
alike."
However, Baidu did face a backlash last year when it was sued by
seven record companies including EMI, Sony BMG, Warner Music and
Universal Music for allegedly engaging in illegal downloading and
putting 137 pieces of music owned by the record companies online
without their permission.
The Beijing First Intermediate Court dismissed the motion
though, saying that Baidu's service is not an infringement since it
only provides web links to the music which is being downloaded from
third party web servers.
The agreement between Rock Records and Baidu.com comes six
months after a similar deal between EMI and Baidu.
(Xinhua News Agency July 6, 2007)