In Qihoo 360's lawsuit against Baidu Inc, one of the biggest search engine companies in China, it claimed Baidu intentionally forced users to install its software as they searched for Qihoo 360 products on the Baidu search engine.

Baidu's binding software not only affected users' choices, but also deprived Qihoo 360 of business opportunities, according to a statement provided by the security software company.

The Beijing Haidian District People's Court said in its judgment that Baidu breached principles of good faith and created unfair competition. It asked Baidu to pay 50,000 yuan ($8,000) in compensation.

An Internet analyst said it is common to see a binding sale in software enterprises.

"We don't need to squeeze products from other companies out of the market," said the analyst, who declined to be named. "We should provide users with the right to know and software that they want instead of imposing on them," he added.