"The verdict was reasonable ... but under existing law, if a writer's copyright is violated online, the compensation is very small," said Wang Guohua, the attorney representing Han. "We urgently need a revision."

Both Wang and Zhang Yongyi, Baidu's attorney from Beijing Dadi Law Firm, said their clients had so far not filed an appeal of the decision.

Liu added that Baidu is under no obligation to check whether documents or works uploaded to its Wenku platform infringe on writers' rights, and that it would not be able to check every uploaded work.

"Shutting down the online library, which is what the plaintiffs were asking for, would have a negative effect on those people who upload documents that can legally be shared," Liu said.

In March 2011, more than 40 writers, including Han, signed a letter saying the online library provided their works for free downloads without their permission. Four months later, Han and several others established the Writers Union to appeal to Baidu, to protect their online copyright.

相关阅读

Japan, US agree on second missile deal

US, Libya accounts differ on attack that killed ambassador

PLA units hone their battle skills

Firms close on anniversary

【Writers win copyright lawsuit against Baidu】相关文章：

★ Chinese frigate safely refloated

★ Bookstores fight back with novel business ideas

★ Huge lottery win creates buzz at Sanlitun store

★ Teheran claims CIA behind attack

★ Worker wakes up without left kidney

★ Romney in control after Santorum bows out

★ Chinese students in US coming home for jobs

★ Foreigners will be faced with a question of identity

★ 5 soldiers killed in Afghanistan

★ Harbin shows tourists its sunny side