### Summary
– A Chinese court has sentenced Tang for copyright infringement related to the private operation of a game server for “Dragon Valley.”
– The case highlights the increasing crackdown on intellectual property violations in the gaming industry.
– Shengqu Games is actively pursuing legal actions to protect its intellectual property rights, reporting numerous violations in 2024.
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Shengqu Games, a prominent player in the gaming industry, recently announced that it has received a significant first-instance criminal judgment from the People’s Court of Pudong New District, Shanghai. This ruling pertains to a copyright infringement case involving Tang, who was convicted for operating an unauthorized private game server for the popular title “Dragon Valley.”
### Sentencing Details
Tang has been sentenced to three years in prison and an additional three years of probation, along with a hefty fine of RMB 450,000. Furthermore, all relevant properties and illegal profits associated with the case have been confiscated in accordance with Chinese law. This ruling underscores the importance of intellectual property rights within the rapidly expanding gaming sector.
### The Nature of the Offense
Following extensive investigations by public security agencies, it was revealed that since January 2010, Tang had illegally purchased the “Dragon Valley” game server and client without obtaining permission from the copyright owner. Collaborating with Fang, he established and operated a private server, generating substantial illegal profits through user transactions. Tang was responsible for overall operations, including acquiring game versions, renting servers, and conducting promotional activities. Meanwhile, Fang focused on building a user base, guiding players, and managing in-game purchases. The combined illicit earnings from their operations exceeded an alarming RMB 1.07 million.
### Similarities to Genuine Product
A thorough assessment determined that the private server bore substantial similarities to the official “Dragon Valley” game. Following his arrest, Tang was forthcoming about his illegal activities, returning RMB 300,000 in illicit earnings and providing financial compensation to Shengqu Games. In a parallel case, Fang was also sentenced to three years in prison, receiving a four-year probationary term and a fine of RMB 340,000 for his role in the infringement.
### Proactive Measures by Shengqu Games
In light of ongoing intellectual property violations, Shengqu Games has taken proactive steps to safeguard its rights. The company has developed a comprehensive infringement reporting mechanism to more effectively combat violations involving private server plug-ins and other related issues. According to Shengqu Games, in 2024 alone, 138 private server plug-ins were reported to public security authorities, leading to 23 civil litigation cases. Additionally, the company filed over 2,800 complaints against various platforms and initiated 54 administrative reports. The total compensation sought in all these actions exceeds RMB 24 million, demonstrating Shengqu Games’ unwavering commitment to protecting its intellectual property.
In conclusion, the case against Tang serves as a critical reminder of the importance of adhering to copyright laws in the gaming industry. The proactive measures being taken by Shengqu Games exemplify the actions that companies can undertake to protect their interests in a digital landscape rife with challenges. By implementing rigorous reporting mechanisms and pursuing legal avenues, gaming companies can continue to thrive while safeguarding their creative works against exploitation.
