(Yicai Global) Sept. 6 -- Shanghai Wuji Cultural Communication Co., the trademark owner of vastly popular Chinese TV variety show, Running Man, is suing operators, publishers and providers of mobile game download platforms for infringements on intellectual property.

The defendants include Shenzhen Tencent Computer System Co. and Beijing Baidu Netcom Science and Technology Co., subsidiaries of Chinese internet giants Tencent Holdings Ltd. [HKG:0700] and Baidu Inc. [NASDAQ:BIDU].

Tencent published several games related to the TV show on its platform through Baidu Duokoo, the Chinese search firm's mobile gaming business. The games include Running Man China Season Five – Keep Running, developed by Shanghai Youzu Information Technology Corp. Ltd., Running Man China Season Five – Village for Brothers, developed by Ourpalm Co. [SHE:300315] and Running Man China – Decisive Karting, produced by Migu Interactive Entertainment Co.

Wuji Cultural believes that Baidu Duokoo's unapproved use of its trademark Duokoo constitutes a tort and as the download platform of the games, Tencent shared in profits which constitutes a divided infringement.

The plaintiff called on the firm to de-list links to the game and to any pages related to its download. The enterprise is claiming compensation of CNY1.5 million (USD227,300) in total for economic losses to three defendants together.

Beijing Municipality Haidian District People's Court is currently investigating the case.