(Yicai Global) April 10 -- Chinese pop star Jay Chou is suing NetEase for rights infringement, reportedly in relation to a promotional event last summer for one of the internet giant’s online games.

The case has been launched by Chou and his music production company JVR Music, according to corporate information platform Tianyancha. The case will be heard in a court in Hangzhou, the city that is home to NetEase, on April 17.

The dispute is believed to relate to a promotional event held last July for Tianxia 3, a multiplayer online game developed by NetEase, media outlet Chnfund.Com reported today. It said that Chou’s digital albums and tickets to his concerts were offered for free as part of the promotion, without NetEase getting permission. 

JVR Music issued a statement at the time saying it had not given permission for use of Chou’s music, adding that it would be taking legal action. 

It is not the first time there has been friction between Chou and NetEase. A previous copyright dispute led to Chou’s music no longer being available on NetEase Cloud Music, its music streaming service. Chou is a long-term partner of Tencent Music, the major rival of NetEase Cloud Music. 

Tencent Music inked a deal on copyright sub-licensing to Chou’s works with NetEase Cloud Music from 2017 to 2018, but it was not renewed after expiration and legal disputes followed. Eventually in 2019, NetEase Cloud Music was ordered to pay Tencent Music CNY850,000 (USD123,540) in compensation. 

Editor: Tom Litting