China's Internet technology company NetEase Inc accused Tencent, operator of the popular instant messaging software QQ, of plagiarizing an iPhone news app.

Screen grabs of the iPhone news app of NetEase (left) and Tencent. [Source: Netease]

Tencent's version of the news app copied design ideas in overall layout, photo viewing and commenting, NetEase said in a statement published on its website.

"NetEase strongly condemns hooliganism of Tencent and demands Tencent withdraw it from the App Store," the statement says.

Tencent has not commented on the accusation.