Fights sprawl from cyberspace to court

February 2010

Tencent Inc publishes a new Internet security software called QQ Doctor and incorporates it into Tencent PC Manager, a product similar to 360 PC Manager by Qihoo 360 Technology Co, a competitor.

Sept 27, 2010

Qihoo launches a new software called 360 Privacy Protector to monitor Tencent's QQ, which Qihoo said "infringes on users' privacy".

Sept 28, 2010

Tencent publishes an article claiming that Qihoo used a pornographic website to promote its product. Police subsequently launch an investigation.

Oct 14, 2010

Tencent says it will sue Qihoo for unfair competition because 360 Privacy Protector "misled and cheated users".

Oct 27, 2010

Baidu Inc and Tencent call on the IT industry not to cooperate with Qihoo.

Oct 29, 2010

Qihoo launches a new product called 360 Koukou Protector, which Tencent said "dysfunctions many modules of QQ".

Nov 3, 2010

Tencent declares it will stop QQ from running in computers with Qihoo 360 software installed.

Nov 4, 2010

Qihoo says it will stop running its Privacy Protector.

Nov 21, 2010

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology circulates a notice criticizing Tencent and Qihoo. The two companies apologize and restore software compatibility to each companies' products.

Nov 24, 2010

Qihoo sues Tencent for maligning its reputation.

April 2012

Qihoo files an antitrust complaint in Guangdong High People's Court.

March 2013

The court rules that the accusation that Tencent "abused its dominating place in the market" had not been established. Qihoo then appeals to the Supreme People's Court.

Nov 26, 2013

The Supreme People's Court hears the case.

(China Daily USA 11/27/2013 page2)