By Luo Yanjie

Recently, Shanghai No.2 Intermediate People’s Court issued “Investigation Report about Infringement of Right of Information Network Dissemination in the Area” which introduces the application of “red flag” principle in China. Today we would like to share the topic with readers as follows:

I. The basic concept of “red flag” principle

“Red flag” principle is an exception of “safe harbor” principle. It means if the fact of infringement obviously like a “red flag” flying, network service providers cannot pretend not to see, or to shirk responsibility as not knowing. In this premise, even if the right people have issued a notice, the court should also identify the Internet service provider is aware of third party’s infringement and shall bear tort liability.