Canadian-based microblogging site Plurk made a very bold claim accusing Microsoft of ripping off their source code and using it to its Chinese application Juku, which is available at MSN China. Place the two user interfaces side by side and Plurk points out the startling similarities used by Juku, all without permission.
Plurk is cited as Asia’s leading microblogging service. Its membership in Taiwan alone is 10 times more than those who join Twitter.
"Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but blatant theft of (source) code, design, and (user interface) elements is just not cool, especially when the infringing party is the biggest software company in the world," Plurk announced on its official blog.
Plurk also said they are still evaluating their legal options. "We have been seeking advice from respected colleagues, responding to press inquiries, and getting facts on the timeline of events and parties involved here to understand why and how this took place."
Microsoft stated that they are investigating the allegations, although CNET.com reported that Juku was designed neither by Microsoft nor its Chinese joint-venture partner, but by a third-party Chinese vendor hired to create a microblogging application. Microsoft has also restricted access to Juku from MSN China.
Image source: Plurk
