Tencent’s QQ may be China’s most popular IM client, but things went less than smoothly for it this morning when a launch event for a new QQ-branded product was overshadowed by protests, apparently organized by an unknown company, accusing Tencent of copying other companies’ services and unfair competitive practices.
Specifically, Tencent was accused of copying IM, download, input method, and security services from other companies, among other things. Signs around the event made reference to “QQ’s Crimes” and many were plastered with slogans like “Oppose copying!” in huge characters.
Adding insult to injury, the protestors — who had the professionally printed signs you can see throughout this post — had also booked a conference room right next to the room where the QQ launch was taking place, where they proceeded to hold an “anti-Tencent meeting,” according to a net user who attended the event.
Anti-Tencent QQ Protestors
According to this brief DoNews article, the Tencent employees there for the launch did engage in a dialogue with the protesters, but the outcome of that was unclear.
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