Chinese search engine giant Baidu has filed lawsuits against “relevant” app developers and Apple over fake copies of its recently launched Ernie bot app, which is powered by artificial intelligence. Baidu’s Ernie bot has been considered China’s equivalent to the U.S.-developed chatbot ChatGPT.
Baidu issued a statement on its official “Baidu AI” WeChat account, stating that Ernie does not have any official app and warning users that any Ernie app found on the App Store or other stores is fake. The company also posted a photograph of its court filing.
Apple has not yet responded to the legal action taken by Baidu.
A recent search on the App Store revealed that there are still at least four apps claiming to be the Ernie bot in the Chinese language, all of which are fake.
It’s important to note that the genuine Ernie bot is only available to users who apply for and receive access codes. Baidu also cautioned against people selling access codes in its statement.
Baidu’s move to sue app developers and Apple over the fake Ernie bot apps showcases its commitment to protecting its intellectual property and ensuring the authenticity of its products in the market.
This legal action by Baidu highlights the need for users to exercise caution when downloading apps and to rely on official sources for authentic apps. As the battle against counterfeit apps continues, it’s crucial for both developers and users to adhere to the guidelines set by app stores and respect intellectual property rights.