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CGPA Takes Legal Action Against UBM: Suing the Host of GDC China for Unfair Practices in Competition

Howell International Trade Fair Ltd.; China Game Publishers Assoc.
2009-11-03 22:33 959

BEIJING, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Howell International Trade Fair Ltd. and the China Game Publishers Association (CGPA) today confirmed that CGPA has sued United Business Media LLC ("UBM", London Stock Exchange: UBM.L) in Beijing for unfair competition. CGPA, the host of the Second China Game Developers Conference ("CGDC"), demands that UBM, who hosts GDC China, immediately cease its unfair practices of competition. On the same day, Howell International Trade Fair Ltd. sued UBM in Beijing for its violation of the intellectual property rights of the first CGDC event. Both two organizations' lawsuits demand UBM resolve any negative effects brought about by the said practices and violation activities, make an open apology, rehabilitate the reputation of CGDC's host and compensate for the economic losses it has suffered. (Howell International Trade Fair Ltd. partnered with CGPA as managers of the aforementioned Second China Game Developers Conference.)

CGDC, which is an international symposium for game technology, gained administrative approval from the Chinese authorities of the gaming industry in 2007.

However the lawsuit states that, when the Second CGDC was being prepared this year, UBM disseminated false information about the event, and sent letters from their lawyers to CGDC's partners, forcing them to pull away from the event. CGPA's lawsuit claims these practices by UBM amount to an infringement on the legitimate rights and interests of the host of CGDC, causing considerable losses to many of the activities at the event.

CGPA is pursuing legal actions against UBM for violation of the principle of fair competition and unlawful infringement of rights. UBM has also caused detriment to the favorable and harmonious environment of the gaming industry.

CGPA believes that this legal action will contribute to the promotion of fair and orderly competition in this industry.

Source: Howell International Trade Fair Ltd.; China Game Publishers Assoc.
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