Chinese Automotive Media Must Compensate Xiaomi for Rp12 Billion
JAKARTA - Xiaomi's legal department announced a significant victory in a defamation lawsuit filed against Chinese automotive media, AutoReport. The court ruled that the case was in favor of Xiaomi.
The court also stated that the defendant had damaged the reputation and brand image of the company through the dissemination of false and derogatory content. In its ruling, the panel of judges assessed that AutoReport used accounts on various online platforms to disseminate information without adequate factual verification.
Reported from Carnewschina, Wednesday, February 25, the content is said to contain facts that are incorrectly attributed and have elements of insult. So it is considered to violate Xiaomi's reputation rights and damage its brand image in the public eye.
Based on the ruling, AutoReport is required to delete all problematic content. Then make a public apology, as well as pay compensation of 5 million yuan or equivalent to around Rp. 12 billion to Xiaomi Corporation.
"We welcome and accept criticism, suggestions, and supervision from all sectors of society," Xiaomi said in its official statement, responding to the trial results.
"However, for false information that is misleading, as well as insults and slander that violate Xiaomi's rights, we will use legal weapons to firmly defend our legitimate rights and interests," he continued.
Based on the circulating notes, AutoReport is known to be affiliated with Yiche.com, with its international version Bitauto.com, which is known as one of the main sites in China in coverage and communication regarding the economic development of the automotive industry.
Yiche.com was founded in 2000 by William Li, who is also known as the founder of Nio, while Xiaomi founder Lei Jun is listed as one of Nio's early investors.
AutoReport previously published a number of original articles discussing Xiaomi Auto. However, until now there has been no official details regarding the specific articles that triggered the defamation lawsuit.