91 Wireless’ App Store Has Piracy and Other Legal Issues
By ALEX HSU
Earlier today Baidu announced the USD 1.9 billion acquisition of 91 Wireless. The company’s most popular product is called “91 Mobile Assistant.” It is an app that enables users to manage their operating system on iPhone and Android smartphones and also serves as an app store. However, the app store is only available on phones that have been jailbroken.
According to Xiong Jun, a co-founder of 91 Wireless, who is now launching another start up, the app store enables users to download pirated content. According to other reports, pirated versions of popular games such as “Plant vs. Zombie 2” are available in “91 Mobile Assistant.” 91 Wireless has tried re-launching the app without providing users with the capability to download pirated content, but it was unpopular with users.
Xiong Jun said: “NetDragon has been trying to sell the business since 2010, but has had trouble finding a buyer.”
You Yunting, a Chinese intellectual property attorney, stated that the app store is in violation of Safe Harbor principles as well as Chinese IP law.
When asked to comment, Baidu PR executive Kai Li said: “The deal has not been finalized; Baidu just signed a memo of understanding (MOU) with NetDragon. We will make further comments after the deal is finalized. Baidu will continue with its due diligence of 91 Wireless and will continue negotiating with NetDragon.”
