Film piracy case to be heard in court

A total of six US film giants are suing Xunlei, one of China's largest download service providers, for helping computer users download pirated films.

They are seeking compensation of seven million yuan (US$979,021).

The Pudong New Area People's Court has accepted the case.

The six film producers also request that Shenzhen-based Xunlei Network Technology Co, whose server is registered in the city, admit it has violated their copyright and promise to put an end to the copyright infringement.

The plaintiffs include 20th Century Fox Film, Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Universal Picture Co, Warner Bros Pictures Co and Buena Vista International.

They said Xunlei offered two download software packages enabling users to download software, films and TV series.

The plaintiffs listed 32 films whose copyright they claim has been infringed, including "Batman Forever 3," "War of the Worlds" and "Miami Vice."

The US companies said Xunlei should be responsible for the illegal downloads.

Xunlei's laywer said it had no comment because it hasn't received any relevant documents about the case.

Early this month Xunlei was ordered to pay 150,000 yuan to Shanghai Youdu Broadband Technology Co after it offered a link to the film "Confession of Pain."