Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

China Law Blog — Thu, 24 May 2007 13:22:55 GMT

Wait a second. These people did NOT patent their product in China and yet they seem to want protection in China and you seem to go along with that? Under what rules? Under what law? I hate to burst your bubble, but giving people protection who do not register their IP in China is not on the negotiating table now, nor will it be.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Larry, NYC — Thu, 24 May 2007 13:31:30 GMT

China isn't an innovator. They make money stealing intellecual property. Sadly, this enriches the folks who are granted permission to run these factories, who not-so-coincidentally are also friends or relatives of Communist Party members. Anyone who has done business over there (as I have) know this to be true. China will only reform its economy when it has enough intellectual property of its own to protect. You Westerners have to understand, the Party has a vested interest in keeping the status quo. Not only does it strengthen China at the expense of the US and Europe, it also fills the pockets of the Party members in the form of ongoing bribes and gifts.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Jei, Columbus, OH — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:06:17 GMT

Sadly, the business of copying what another company invented (or innovated) is unethical an many levels...even across borders. Such examples can be found in China's auto industry, where government-controlled factories have made deals with US & European car makers to assemble vehicles. These Chinese assemblers then make "other" deals to make "knockoffs" of the products their foreign partners have spent billions to develop. That's Ethics 101 down-the-drain and it continues to erode corporate trust that could benefit US and Chinese economies handsomely.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Al, Toms River, NJ — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:11:19 GMT

Article is simply conveying the idea that lack of ip protection hurts everyone even the Chinese.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Anton — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:11:30 GMT

China Law Blog - correct - if they do not have a Chinese patent then manufacture and sale of the product inside China does not infringe upon the U.S. patent. However, the U.S. patent statute includes "importation" as infringement. Therefore, while there is no legal violation for the goods to be manufactured in China, there is infringement when the product is imported into the U.S. Obviously, the U.S. imports a substantial number of Chinese-manufactured products so this is a common problem. In our experience, Chinese manufacturers are honorable. They do not knowingly commit infringement. The typically M.O. is that a U.S. based distributor requests the Chinese manufacturer to make a certain item (i.e., the knock-off). The Chinese manufacturer has no idea that the importation of this product to the U.S. (or anywhere else with patent protection) constitutes infringement. Thus, the infringement is committed by the importer, not the Chinese manufacturer.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

kimchee, new york — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:13:24 GMT

Let's see, the Chinese invented the compass, the paper, the printing press (including the movable press), the gunpowder, the spaghetti, and tons of other things, and either GAVE THEM AWAY or got THEM STOLEN to the West and in the 18th century helped the West launch the industrial revolution. Hmm.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Glenn, Illinois — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:13:30 GMT

The first comment misses, I believe, the critical point. The issue for most U.S. businesses is NOT sales lost to counterfitting/copycatting in the Chinese market (exception exist, e.g., Microsoft, Starbucks). Rather it is the sale of counterfit/copycat goods manufactured in China and then sold in the U.S. A U.S. patent provides legal protection against the IMPORT of goods that violate that patent, regardless of where they are manufactured, making the lack of a Chinese patent irrelevant. While enforcement is the responsibility of the U.S. Government (Customs) and the firm with the IP (via the courts), it is a reasonable argument that China, which wants the benefits of belonging to the world's open trading system, has a responsbility to act against the massive IP violation that takes place inside its borders. The current attitude ranges from malign neglect, to implicit encouragement to actual involvement of state-owned firms. That is the problem.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Antoni S DC — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:16:32 GMT

This blog highlights the lack of innovation in China. The people there don’t have the brain power to come up with their own inventions thus they succumb to stealing like petty burglars and they laugh about it all the way to the bank.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Dave, Seattle — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:18:44 GMT

We created China. We want cheap goods and this is how they are made cheap. We all complain about it but we all embrace it at the same time. Who does not love going bargain hunting every weekend? go to any store and you see rich and poor handing coupons at the cash registers.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Liz, Dayton, OH — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:23:14 GMT

I love it!!! When are we stupid Americans going to wake up and smell the coffee? Big business has sold us down the river and they don't care about the average American. Their pockets are stuffed and they look good and that is all that matters. Just look at anything you buy and see where it was made and how poor the workmanship is. Isn't this going to leave a wonderful life for our children and grandchildren? They will probably wake up with the Chinese flag flying one day and won't that be a great life for them?

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Bohdan Szejner, Kraków, Poland — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:26:28 GMT

It is an inalienable and sovereign right of the United States not to let products from China into their ports! If no Chinese products enter in, no counterfeits and copycats will enter in. Moreover, the only products "tainted" with Chinese parts will be coming from other countries ... until we identify them and quarantine them also! If we need something from the Chinese, or if the Chinese want something from us, we and they will find some alternative ways outside of the free market, to get it! But the sole fact that thousands of Chinese containers will be turned away each month will guarantee hundreds of thousands of new jobs for Americans practically overnight! This emergency corrective measure needs not to be permanent, but it is clearly a historical necessity at the present time! Too many of us have been made to believe that we are stuck with the laws of the free market, when in fact we do not! No wonder that, in recent press, the Chinese, over again, keep telling us, "it's your problem, not ours; you are stuck with your unproductivity"! But I am telling you, if we are stuck with anything, it is with our Constitution which grants us the sovereign right to say no, when we think that we must say no at certain historical times!

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Duh, USA — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:28:54 GMT

China is a competitor. They are polite to us when it suits their purposes, but would happily drive the US into poverty if that would get them further. There is a strange mentality in the West – we are concerned for the world and the future of mankind. In China, they are concerned with Chinese first, allies of the moment next and no one else. Some people take this as mean behavior, or being “two faced” - It's neither; they are simply being Chinese. When you cease to be useful, they are done with you. As for intellectual property rights, some people think they will protect them when the Chinese actually develop some intellectual property of their own. This is half right. They will defend their IP with fierce determination, and continue to turn a blind eye to violations of other peoples IP. Consider how fiercely the Chinese defended silk. This is not new, it's just the way they do business. China first, all else third.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Anna, Brattleboro,VT — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:31:10 GMT

Larry, I don't think weneed to worry half as much about the "Communist Party" as we do the thieves and liars right here at home who get ever richer through their alliances with companies that make mega- billions by moving their companies to other countries to escape paying their fair share of taxes. Trust me, the next big war is going to be a civil war right here in the good ol' U. S. of A. because the average person is being pushed beyond their limit.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Sean, Torrington CT — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:34:36 GMT

Part of the reason people resent the USA is that we force our laws on other nations. China has nukes and we need them, so the US doesn't strong-arm the chinese. The US will strong-arm Europe...pressuring the EU to accept monopolistic practices by Microsoft. It's sad. Our beligerant and aggressive foreign policy is a big tool for terrorist recruiters. What ever happened to walk softly and carry a big stick?

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

you wimps — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:36:08 GMT

My wimpy fellow Americans, are you afraid to compete? Why all the slander against the Chinese? Does it make you feel good to tell yourself that you are better than them because they "do not create"? Give me a break! Competition makes the world go around and improves us all. If they can do something cheaper than we can, then let them!

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

China Reformer — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:37:25 GMT

China Law Blog: Give me a break. China is a member of the WTO. The WTO was established to protect IP. If China wants to be on the world stage, they should act like it. Then again, China doesn't give many rights and freedoms to its people either, let alone other's IP.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Detroit Automaker — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:37:38 GMT

Did the Japanese copycat the American-invented car? Now they kick our a** in every respect with regard to innovation, efficiency and safety. Let the Chinese copy and reproduce whatever they want. Our own manufacturing has been ruined my the unions!

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Ho Yu, Stanford, CA — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:38:57 GMT

China is our ally and our best trading partner, after Canada. They can do things way more efficiently that we can. Their economy is booming. Are you scardie-cats afraid of globalization or what?

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Leon Schlossberg, Fayetteville, NC — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:39:54 GMT

The ethical status-quo of China appears to be a strong belief that there is no shame in cheating; only in getting caught. Chinese businesses and entrepreneurs will ultimately discover they too can be victimized by copycats. When that happens, I hope they'll be able to hear my laughter over their loud, collective screams of righteous indignation.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Ester Long, SC — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:40:22 GMT

The "average american" is lazy. Why not hire Mexicans to do our lawn work and the Chinese to make our stuff? There's nothing wrong with that.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Great Wall Expeditions — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:43:01 GMT

Hello?! The CHINESE invented: chopsticks, gunpowder, fireworks and pioneered the use of oil and natural gas for energy. You people are idiots. 1.4 billion Chinese can't be wrong. In the meantime, ask yourself if you are racist against the Chinese for some reason.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

All Roads Lead to China (Shanghai) — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:43:57 GMT

Ironically enough, I have heard just as many stories here about foreign companies stealing the IP of other foreign companies. China Law Blog makes an excellent point about the legal side of IP, and how the couple above really don't have a leg to stand on without a patent application in China In my mind, anyone with a product that they feel is innovative, they should patent in China. Regardless of whether or not they plan to manufacture or sell in China. Setting up patents around the world is expensive, but setting up U.S. and China is an investment in the future of your company. Some of the steps that executives should take are: 1) Learn more about patents and patent laws in China (your U.S. patent does not apply). There is a lot of information on the web that is free, unbiased, and can offer valuable advice on why you need to worry about copyright, patent, or trademark infringement. 2) Identify and speak with law firms, security consultants, and other manufacturers who are well versed in Chinese patent law 3) Develop a proactive strategy for protecting your patents: a - Visit the Canton Fair or other trade shows in China to see whow your competitors are, and what they are selling b - Search for competitors and competitive products online using Global Sources and Alibaba c - conduct competitive intelligence research using market research firms and other consultants 4) Implement and follow through on that strategy! 5) Revisit, Review, and Revise your strategy as event and time dictate. Quite often we can take for granted the work that has gone into building a product, the relationships necessary to sell it, and the infrastructure necessary to ensure after sales service. Years, if not decades, can go into the development of a product, by becoming complacent and thinking “it won’t happen to me”, manufacturers are inviting the fox into the den. Taking proactive steps to protect one’s assets in the global economy is essential for the successful ongoing concerns of operations for companies of all size, not matter where they are based, and no matter where their products are sold. Understanding the risks, and then INVESTING in a system is the best way to protect innovation, not blaming China and writing your senator.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Jason Cleaveland, Phoenix, AZ — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:44:48 GMT

All I know is that I visited China in 2002 and Hong Kong and Beijing beat any American city I've been to and I've traveled and lived all over the United States. God Bless America!

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Allistar Brown, U.K. — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:47:08 GMT

oh my god! has it come to this? what a blatant racist article! the industrious chinese economy and work ethic is going to take over the world while all you fat lazy americans sit on your butts watching t.v. and complaining about the loss of "american" jobs to asia. cry-babies. americans have gotten soft.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Pacheck, Huntington Beach, Ca. — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:48:14 GMT

We see the enemy and he is us. We are the Chinese. By that I mean, some of our own business comminity is raping the U.S. by not only selling our intellectual properties, but reaking huge profits by having products made overseas. We are consuming ourselvs and are pretty much impotent to stop it.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

TESTRUN#1 — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:52:50 GMT

Humans have been "copying" humans since the beginning of time. What a stupid article.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Fred Jensen, Central Texas — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:53:16 GMT

What I still have a problem understanding is why are we building up China (which is communist)by sending all of our technical data for manufacturing (which they will use against us eventually) just so maybe a select few can have a competitive edge in the world market at the expensive of all of us, with the blessing of our goverment who we elect. Amazing isn't it.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Gaelan, Tampa, FL — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:59:01 GMT

To The China Law Blog--Your fatuous ignorance of proprietary rights and inherent ownership of your own creations, as well as the patents held in other countries is what will hold your country on the verge of greatness forever. You continue to thumb your nose at other peoples IPR in the face of their protected rights in other countries. Until you realize that when someone patents an idea, or copyrights their music or words, that those patents and copyrights are universal in nature you will doom yourself to following the herd and picking from the scraps, rather than leading yourself. You are the definition of ignorant.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Dawn New York — Thu, 24 May 2007 15:17:36 GMT

I agree with the poster who said the U.S. created China. Big business has relocated factories and call centers to other parts of the world to save a buck. This has put a lot Americans out of work and fueled the illegal immigration problem because they are cheap labor. Now companies are complaining about piracy when they handed them the majority of the technoligy by having their products made in China. The cheap goods that come from China are just that- cheap. Yes, you save money in the short run but when the items full apart, you are not saving money in the long run. China is also a leader in human rights violations, environment violations and poaching endangered animals for their own selfish needs.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Patriot — Thu, 24 May 2007 15:42:50 GMT

It is pretty damn lame when the media and the american business community degrade to the point where they are complaining about the lack of ingenuity demonstrated by the Chinese. Talk about meaningless rhetoric and reporting! This is the stupidest blog ever.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

cali — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:01:30 GMT

I dont buy anything that comes from china even if the next the same product from finland is 10$ more or a 100$ more atleast i know im getting quality. If i have learned anything its that chinese are cutthroat.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Russ — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:02:39 GMT

I'm goin to check out China's two percent of the patents and start my own copycat company. The US should open up our markets to these few untill China finds their own two feet to stand on.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Bob, wisconsin — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:06:43 GMT

We have an industrial process that is very hard to duplicate, I sat in a meeting with a customer in China, they openly said they would only buy one or two machines from us, and would make copies after that. We ran from the market as fast as we could. You have to go international as a small business; however you need to go with people that have some integrity. The Chinese have none. !!!, when challenged with this they all say the same thing “this is the Chinese way” this is just an excuse for stealing.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

China Teacher — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:08:38 GMT

This article is old news with no solutions. Blah, blah, blah.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Snarf O'Matic, Thomasville, NC — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:17:12 GMT

Americans blame the Chinese for poor quality and workmanship, but it's not their fault. It's the fault of the U.S. companies wanting to eke out as much profit as possible. I work in the furniture industry. How the product is made in China is a direct result of the U.S. manufacturers not only going to them because they are cheaper, but lessening the quality standards by which the product is made so they have an even larger profit margin. I've seen furniture made by the Chinese for a company that wanted cheaper labor, but still wanted a quality product. The Chinese produced that quality furniture and the company still saved money. We sell that company's furniture as a high end line because of the quality. Yet, most manufacturer's lower their own quality standards when they engage the Chinese and get exactly what they asked for. In other words, the old adage that consumers get what they pay for also applies to U.S. companies when they contract Chinese labor.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Tony, San Jose, CA — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:18:49 GMT

I believe everyone here has a valid point, but its all about karma. Like Kimchee said, Western countries, at least 8 countries went into China and basically stole and demolished everything in sight. They did not care about China or the Chinese people at the time, when it benefitted them. So now the Chinese are just learning from their past mistakes and doing what was done to them by the westerners. People tend to complain and complain when things don't go in their favor. But they all keep quiet when things go their way. The sayings, "What goes around comes around" and "Do onto others what you would like them do onto you" definitely holds true. Whether you believe karma or not, it still exists.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Jon Wolfe, Denver, CO — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:25:07 GMT

Its sad to see that we Americans have evolved into a selfish and shameless group of people who blame everyone else in the world for our own problems. American shit just don't stink. The fact of the matter is: 1) containers of chinese goods are shipped into the US because American merchants ordered and paid for them for the sole purpose of profiteering in the American market. The Chinese did not force us to buy ! 2) It is the American merchants who ask, if not outright demand, the Chinese manufacturers to copy and infringe upon or violate competitve design ownership rights A)by shipping to China large amounts of actual samples of other company's products, B) by providing pictures, specs and tech details of competitive products and C)by asking Chinese manufacturers with expertise in certain areas, developed from manufacturing contracts for competitors, to transfer and apply the specific knowledge and knowhow to "copycat" products to be sold around the world. 3) China will not be "right" by the Americans unless China truely becomes an American colony whereby US has absolutely total control in every way over the Chinese. This pipe dream is vocalized in terms of human rights, democracy, freedom, etc... We Americans love this mindless rhetoric to vent our perverse aggression and schizophrenia. But to the rest of the world, its rapidly being and to a large extent deserves to be dismissed as another disgusting and irresponsible fit of American verbal diarrhea. To our perverse taste, Americans love this shit and it smells good. This is how low American culture and ethics has sunken. Americans are always right and perfect. Everyone else is no good or flawed in one way or another as to not measure up to our self-politicised standards. We foolishly believe that we can spin, manipulate, and politicize any situation to our advantage. This has evolved precisely from the great American heritage of being an obscenely litigious society. For these simple reasons alone, we are going to be always at odds with China. No cooperative action from China will ever be good enough and the Chinese know it well. For now at least and to their credit, the Chinese are just humoring us. Let the Americans dig their own grave and we are doing a good job at it, especially during the last 10 years.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Sean, Torrington CT — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:42:44 GMT

Americans claiming that Chinese are unethical because they copy 'protected' designs are hilarious. Does the Chinese government allow blatant lies to be used to advertise products as is done in the USA? I know England has much stiffer penalties and mechanisms for keeping people from lying in advertising. USA! Bad to use another's design, just dandy to lie to consumers! USA!

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

sean china — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:43:07 GMT

i've read all the comments, and i agree and disagree with some of them. i am a westerner(not willing to give my nationality as this is china and we can be deported for the things we say) and i have been living here in china for more than 4 years. i have a chinese wife and a 4year old son, as in most countries i need a visa to live and work here, but as in china it's a little different, i had to pay many bribes to get a visa for myself and my son even though my wife is a chinese national, i have seen first hand how westerners are treated here, the chinese make us feel really welcome, but in reality behind our backs they are sticking the knife in as far as they can. as reagrds copyright law, i have yet to see any evidence of that here, i have had a few of my idea's stolen by so called government friends, the only successful business's here are govenment employee owned, if you don't have government family then you can't do any business, the foreigners that are here have to pay for everything, we have to pay bribes just to live here with our families and we have to pay more than the chinese just to do business here.my advice to anyone thinking of coming here-change your mind and stay where you are, believe me, the society here is 50-60 years behind the rest of the civilised world in every way.on recent visits to hospitals with my son when he is sick they have tried to give us 'western' medicine, only to find that its no more that water and an idea 'ripped off' from the civilised world. the country in general has only one copyright law, that is the law that they are passing now, all business's have been told to only sell 'real' products during the time of the oylmpics next year, the gov here don't really want you to know to want extend they actyally copy here, even in 'Nike' 'SONY( THEY LOVE TO RIP OFF JAPANESE PRODUCTS), and other brand name shops, most of the products they sell are 'rip off's' made in china.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

grow up — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:46:01 GMT

Welcome to GLOBALIZATION. And there's only going to be more of this. There is nothing we can do to stop it, so save your breath. Don't fight change, embrace it.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

you stink — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:47:50 GMT

as soon as i hear about copyright laws, i know there are stinky attorneys involved. go home, stinky attorneys.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

landon kelsey, coldspring TX — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:57:31 GMT

why don't we outsource the US gov CIA FBI NSA, etc. the chinese would be great at bureaucracy

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Franklin D. Seattle, WA — Thu, 24 May 2007 17:04:36 GMT

Wasn't Kruschev that first mentioned something about a certain rope that this system of ours is slowly making?

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Bill — Thu, 24 May 2007 17:18:10 GMT

"Once again" we are dealing with the monster we as "westerners" have created. Europeans and Americans alike (American continent) for decades now we have known how cheap things can be produce in China, it's just in the last 20 years that we in the states have fully exploited the economics of it, and have exploited it!! The problem is not China; they are simply taking advantage exponentially as to what a "free enterprise economy" can build, and that is a superpower. Bottom line as difficult as the facts are, we are subsidizing their military and everything else that is not right in China. We also have to consider the good, the benefits for the few, and the down side of the majority. Perhaps all we are allowing China to do, will help place the rest of the law abiding world community in a position of leverage. We can only hope.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Geronimo, 501st Ft Bragg NC — Thu, 24 May 2007 17:23:44 GMT

Leon from Fayettville NC And the "ethical status" of the USA is, "It is NOT OK to steal, unless it is OIL, and we the USA do the stealing". Airborne All the Way. :-)

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

John Cheek Salisbury, NC — Thu, 24 May 2007 17:25:04 GMT

This is nothing new. The japanese were making low quality goods and selling them cheap during the 1950's. I read a story years ago that one town in Japan renamed itself Usa so they could print "Made in Usa" in their stuff. Taiwan was in the same position 30 years ago. Every U.S. sailor I knew who made a liberty stop in Kaohsiung would load up on cassettes. They were sold cheap because no royalties had been paid. I bought a few myself and found out that in addition, the recording quality was poor and the cassettes themselves were the cheapest quality. Even at the low prices, they weren't worth it. Face it, ever since this globalization thing started, which has been made possible mainly by the internet and containerized shipping, manufacturing has been chasing around the world looking for the lowest wages. Consider the textile industry. It started off in New England and then moved to the south when the workers started demanding higher wages. Starting in the '70s, companies started relocating plants in Mexico. When the Mexican wages started rising, they packed up and move to China and India. Now I read that some companies are starting to move their plants to Vietnam. It makes me wonder where it will all end up. There have been far too many business executives who have been more concerned about "the bottom line" and their own bonuses and perks than they have about quality products and their company's reputations. It may be nice to be able to buy an item at 75% of the price of the same american made item. But when it's useful lifespan is half that of the american product, then it's not such a good deal.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Gime Me A Break, DC — Thu, 24 May 2007 17:33:56 GMT

Bill, just ask your average law abiding patriotic capitalist texas-born american IF he is concerned with the world community. For him there's but one law, and that's called the BIG STICK.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

No Detroit Lemon 4 Me.MI — Thu, 24 May 2007 17:42:33 GMT

Detroit Automaker. Those slobs who work in Detroit ruined the American Auto Industry not the unions. And ther AMERICAN PUBLIC AGREES, they buy Japanese. America was "good" wittout competition, but when it arrived, it ended the mighty Detroit Junk-maker for good. Thank you Japan !!! We now can rely on our cars, as long as it is NOT MADE IN DETROIT.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

George, Granville, MA — Thu, 24 May 2007 17:45:41 GMT

What is the new shoe organizer called? I'd like to buy one. Adrienne Mong could have at least given us a link to her friend Lori Quon's website. No product name. No company name. Nothing!

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Evan, San Diego, CA — Thu, 24 May 2007 17:50:57 GMT

The reason innovation in China is lagging behind the west has to do directly with Mao's Cultural Revolution killing or imprisoning most of the nation educated people, being educated was almost "THE" reason for being hauled off. When you kill 30+million people mostly, the educated you cause your own backwards turn in technology & intellect. Communism doesn't reward individual achievement.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

China Law Blog — Thu, 24 May 2007 17:56:01 GMT

Glenn, Illinois - You raise an excellent point. Lori and Danilo's US patent protects their product from imports from China (or anywhere else) that infringe on that patent. Lori and Danilo need to alert U.S. customs of their patent (if they have not already done so) and make it easy for customs to be on guard for incoming product that violate that patent. But the article does seem to go way beyond this and seems to complain about how their US patent does not reach worldwide. I just did a post on my blog highlighting the shortcomings of this post.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Yachi, San Diego, CA — Thu, 24 May 2007 18:08:02 GMT

I am disappointed and disgusted with the blatant racism being displayed by some of the respondents to this article. Judging an entire race of people by some of China's institutional practice and some law breaker is the definition of racism. Some of the worse offenders include Antoni S of DC who apparently thinks there are no brain powers to be found in China. The completely hypocritical views of "Duh from USA" claiming China is only looking out for themselves and the US being concerned for the welfare of the world and mankind. That statement is especially ridiculous. Who are the ones going into war to force their opinion on other countries? Who are the ones going to China to begin with to utilize their cheap labor? The US is the biggest investor of China and let me tell you it's not an altruistic purpose. And how is the US looking out for the world if the country is one of the worst offenders in pollution? This blog has brought out some of the resentment and discrimination some people obvious feel and is festering under their surface politeness. Who's two-face now? I'm proud to be a US citizen and live in the US, but sometimes the sheer ignorance displayed by some of the citizens is disheartening.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

BizWriter, RI — Thu, 24 May 2007 18:10:45 GMT

Yes the Chinese have innovated, here and there, but have no cultural problem with taking hold of an idea. The inventor of gunpowder didn't resent the fellow who mass produced it, likely. That is a cultural trait that, frankly, they need to compromise in dealing with the West.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Larry, NYC — Thu, 24 May 2007 18:12:42 GMT

China Law Blog: What is your agenda? Are you part of one of the PRC's disinformation campaigns? Or are you trying to curry favor with the Chinese on another front, perhaps on behalf of a client or two? You cannot be that naive, and maintain a Chinese law blog. The Chinese blatantly lie about protection, to the point where Hong Kong newspapers pretend that the Chinese were only accused of misappropriating the Lexus trademark. In truth, the Chinese reverse engineered an entire Lexus automobile, ignoring all IP laws. Naturally the Chinese court found China, Inc. (a term I use for the PRC) to be not guilty. You, sir, are diliberately spreading falsehoods. Please refrain in the future.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

go home — Thu, 24 May 2007 18:16:44 GMT

it sounds like a stupid invention to me. a shoe organizer?! oh, please! :(

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

a shoe organizer? gimme a break! — Thu, 24 May 2007 18:18:25 GMT

the chinese copy-catted our atomic bomb and there was no article written about that. who cares about a shoe organizer! why don't you write about some manly industries?

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Kenny Laughingstock — Thu, 24 May 2007 18:33:18 GMT

There are 6.6 BILLION people in the world. Of that, 4.0 billion live in Asia and 1.4 billion of these live in CHINA. There are only 300 million Americans, including the illegals. This means that each American gets 4.6 Chinamen to make our home-invented stuff. So, what's the problem? We can't all be inventors.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

mcmillin — Thu, 24 May 2007 18:40:16 GMT

I don't see how an article like this benefits anyone. As an American economist watching the U.S.-China trade talks, I think the author might have better spent his/her time addressing a real issue, e.g., grain subsidies, currency inflation/protection, trade deficits, etc. You waste the American public's time with junk like this...

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Curious, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 24 May 2007 18:47:43 GMT

I heard Visio's (flat screen cheap televisions) are made in Chinese enslavement camps. Is this correct? I have found the following website interesting in researching company ethics to help me determine who I would rather shop with. www.buyblue.org

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Norman , St. Louis, MO — Thu, 24 May 2007 18:55:55 GMT

Kimchee from New York needs to re-check his information source. The Chinese did not invent paper, paper was invented by the ancient Egyptians using the Papyrus plant from which 'paper'gets it's name. Chinese civiization began in the 1700s BC whereas the Egyptians were writing on papyri during the Old Kingdom Priod in the 2700s BC.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Jon, SF, CA — Thu, 24 May 2007 19:08:17 GMT

Ok, so some money hungry "entrepreneurs" who invented a gimmicky shoe organizer want to capitalize on their gimmick. Not everyone believes in intellectual copyrights in the same way as the West, and not everyone will. Deal.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

JK — Thu, 24 May 2007 19:14:09 GMT

Twenty years from now China will be rendered uninhabitible by pollution. The reason they can do business so cheaply is they have almost no environmental controls, but like anything else there is no free lunch and that hen is coming home to roost sooner rather than later. They will not be able to move their major population centres at any price, and chinese environmental refugees will flood the rest of the world.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Craig, Manchester, NH — Thu, 24 May 2007 19:15:20 GMT

Um, am I missing something in this story? These folks are Americans, who...live in America, and their super fantastic invention that was, I assume, invented in America, is being produced where? China? There's a story in the story, and that story is outsourcing. I think a toddler could tell you today where the world's majority of counterfeit products come from. So, let's ask them to produce our products? Okay then, I guess that's the new American dream. Invent, patent, outsource.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

John Doe — Thu, 24 May 2007 19:19:51 GMT

Invention of the compass. From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compass However, it should be pointed out that the compass remained known to the Chinese only in the form of a magnetic needle floating in a bowl of water.[7] The true mariner's compass using a pivoting needle in a dry box was invented in Europe no later than 1300.[8] It was then introduced in China via the sea lanes in the late 16th or early 17th century, according to a contemporary Chinese source by "the Japanese".

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

China Law Blog — Thu, 24 May 2007 19:21:25 GMT

Countries tend to respect IP when it becomes in their own best interest to do so. The US was known as the worst violators of IP in the late 1800s and Japan was known as the worst in the 1950s and Korea in the 1960s. Once a country has its own domestic industries to protect, IP becomes important. It's not a cultural thing, its an economic development thing.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Anti racist, DC — Thu, 24 May 2007 19:51:58 GMT

What a racist article this is. If you want to make accusations at least provide some evidence. Gee, some Chinese guys stopped by their booth in a trade show, they must be thinking about copycating. Give me a break! Maybe they should post a sign "No Chinese allowed" in in front of their booth. Stop blaiming Chinese for our own problems. Chinese don't force us to buy anything. This is called trade and frankly we get the better end of the deal. Yeah Chinese don't invent anything! They developed nuclear bomb by themselves. The third nation that has sent man to outer space. They made numerous inventions in agriculture to sustain feeding 1.4 billion people on less than 12% of fertile land. Adrienne Mong, whatever your ethnic background is you should be ashamed of yourself. Yeah it's popular to bash Chinese, China don't you have some sense of duty to tell the truth at least some time about China.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Vicky, San Diego, Ca — Thu, 24 May 2007 19:53:17 GMT

Norman; Feel sorry for you. You do not know any History, read some history books befor you talk.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

T Stewart Beijing PRC — Thu, 24 May 2007 20:34:09 GMT

I am a foreign expert living in China going on 6 years now. China has indeed cut back in the public to nil on copyright violations of DVDs and software , and I myself have seen the policing. They have done the right thing. China indeed has food police, DVD police, and even police in MacDonald's. The issue is not China's problem in enforcing anything. Nor is it of China being a copycat. But to prepare to be surprised is fortunate I have learned here. It is simply a matter of western corporate expectations of establishing intellectual empires. Globalization - on the lines of wetern owners - is the western dream. We know how it goes. Pay corporations for this - until the last gazmo is produced. Pay the west for that - until the last copy of Star Wars is sold. China knows what is fair, and will go about in in the right way. That much I have learned in almost 6 years here. So please, expect to be taught about this if you think smalltime copycats threaten the billions and billions of dollars worth of established intellectual rights out there! The problem is that the western countries want more and leave nothing (save some leavings) for others. This is corporate predatory practice yet again. I have watched as Microsoft has infested China here like a virus, getting "enterprise" level involvement on OSs - each case paying about a hundred USD to Gates&Co again. Problem is, western countries are junkies wishing to usher in use of their products, leaving crumbs for China and the rest of the developing world. What's n it for anyone to play the IPR game if it gives nothing except use? Believe me, China already has solutions and is working on more, and they are not mere copycats. The brain drain from the crusades of the west have brought reliable people and methods to China and elsewhere. For example I myself taught at Tsinghua in 2005 to students working on completely platform independent Java software for the next generation - in Chinese, for Chinese. They are 2 steps ahead there already, and it is the west who will copycat their solutions. In case you didn't know, Java will work independent of Windows or Vista... Besides we already have precedent of the west breaking treaties granting special rights and such. The west could be said to have zero credibility nowadays anyway, and the need to pay again and again to the same greedy system has less credibility. =-=-=-=-=- for the record - and validation - here is my IP: IP address info: My IP address: 220.193.64.6 (copy) IP country: China IP Address state: Beijing IP Address city: Beijing IP latitude: 39.9289 IP longitude: 116.3883 Your ISP: China United Telecommunications Corporation Organization: China United Telecommunications Corporation

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Lance Carroll, NC — Thu, 24 May 2007 20:38:16 GMT

China like Japan a few years ago will be as successful as the U.S. deems appropriate. None of us will ever see the day that the U.S. is not the center of the world economy. If China elects to balk at our concerns we will just remove their largest market from them. We still hold all the cards, we just currently have cowardly leaders afraid to play them.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

jazzy — Thu, 24 May 2007 20:43:55 GMT

If you want to know what China is about look at Tibet

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

MSNBC ain't no good no more — Thu, 24 May 2007 20:50:49 GMT

The point is this: MSNBC's world blog now sucks. Now what am I supposed to do while at work???

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

china-phobia — Thu, 24 May 2007 20:57:56 GMT

you know what this means, don't you? it means the chinese are now "terrorists".

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Asian Girl but not Chinese — Thu, 24 May 2007 21:03:18 GMT

I'm a Asian girl but not a Chinese. What I knew when I grew up it isn't to buy foods which is said MADE IN CHINA, because I wonn't know what I'm eating. For the goods, Made In China it's low expressing and quality. And my brother have lived whole life in Swisserland told me Chinese was a MASTER OF COPY. So what, if Chinese people like to make copy stuffs of the others in the world, guess what they get. "THE COPIER" on their faces.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Bernard Stein — Thu, 24 May 2007 21:06:41 GMT

Just eliminate patents and copyrights, so called "intelectual property". There was none for centuries. Let's see what happens in the world economy.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Harry, Fort Lauderdale, FL — Thu, 24 May 2007 21:09:04 GMT

Why don't we just eliminate intelectual property? There were no patents or copyrights for many centuries.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

reasonable attempt — Thu, 24 May 2007 21:23:13 GMT

It's clearly unacceptable to say anything at all slightly discouraging about any segment of Chinese activity, because all the blame for all the worlds problems must lie with each individual American. I love how the people who bash the article for making generalizations about the Chinese make the same generalizations about the 'lazy, slobbish, ignorant' Americans while the Chinese are the spotless inventors and keepers of civilization itself. (not to mention the historically incorrect assertions!) Both extremes are stupid. And making any such generalizations shows ignorance and a lack of reason. The issues are always more complex and nuanced than that. The article is no exception, it's written as more of a shock piece than real information.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Don Schreibman — Thu, 24 May 2007 21:28:11 GMT

China has invented many things as Kimchee, N.Y. has stated, but cannot be recognized as such with their own patent system. Their government (PARTY) does little or nothing to promote such things as they wouldn't get enough bribe monies to survive as criminals. So they go on their marry way, until we Americans wake up and STOP BUYING THEIR CRAP! Cheap means cheap quaility. Made in AMERICA was quality until the capitalists moved their plants over seas to make them CHEAP, producing CRAP! Wake up AMERICANS!

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Ken, Boston, MA — Thu, 24 May 2007 21:40:06 GMT

For those of you that don't understand what the true article means, you should reread it. As for those that don't understand what globalization means, it means to take impoverished nations with cheap labor to become rich nations by equalizing the labor rates world wide to make the world manufacturing market more competitive. Thus, labor rates will equal out eventually some day world wide. The USA is in a "Market Economy" for the last 20 years, which means we develop and market but produce elsewhere. US steel companies complained for almost a 100 years about dumping and needing protection, but lets face it, they were not putting profits back into r&d and now the US steel companies are second class. Other countries make better steal and metal products in most categories and cheaper by utilizing better r&d. The same holds true with American Car companies and other manufacturers. Outsourcing is great if done right and benefits a society, like America if they get smarter by getting better educated. Let's face it, an Armani suit might say made in Italy, but the quality of it is no different than some cheap suit anyone would by at some off brand store. The same manufacturers that make for Armani make for other people, the same quality goes into it those cheap brands, you just pay more for brand name like Armani, but not better quality. Only knock-off's are made cheaply. I bought suits that cost $500 to $1000 each, but lasted only a year a two and I had a suit that cost only $100 and last 4 to 5 years and was worn much more. As for IP, please, a shoe organizer is not something that should be protected, any good hobbiest with the right tools could make that at home and make that overnight. IP stands for "Intellectual Property", like inventing a new engine that runs on fuel that is renewable and does not pollute. The Chinese are only doing what is going to promote and build wealth in their country and try to protect their economy just as everyone else does. Please people, everyone get real, everyone is a copycat of some sort!!!!!!!

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Robert — Thu, 24 May 2007 21:42:30 GMT

Great Wall Expeditions - 1.4 billion chinese only means that there are 1.4 billion chinese, not that they cant be wrong. DOOFUS! On the IP rights issue, they will always copycat and there is not much we can do about it without any power to enforce it. Who cares about the chopsticks and gunpowder and all that ancient crap, centuries old innovation does not somehow obscure present day intellectual laziness. I dont care what they did several hunderd years ago, what are they doing now besides stealing ideas? when you have a repressive society, ideas dont flourish very well. I found it humorous when the soviets copied so many of our designs for fighter aircraft. we were so afraid of the mig 29 until one actually defected to the west and landed in japan. imagine our surprise when we opened up the pride of soviet technology only to find vacuum tubes. the final word is that unless there was a demand for cheap junk in this country sold in every walmart across the fruited plains, there would not really be an issue. demand controls and motivates supply.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

GeoBill, Reno, NV — Thu, 24 May 2007 21:50:35 GMT

China, efficient? Two words...slave labor.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

G. G., Seattle, Wash. — Thu, 24 May 2007 21:51:47 GMT

I have two things to say. First, if there isn't a single Chinese company that is an innovator, then who is reponsible for 2% of all world patents coming out of China. Second, if we really want to stop China from copying patented inventions, we need to put pressure on them. The US government is afraid to do anything about patent violations because they are to busy licking their greedy lips over the possible sales to 1 billion people and because they are too busy borrowing money to pay for the federal deficit. We could do a lot to crack down on these patent violations, but we would first need to put aside our own greed which seems to be impossible.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Fed Up — Thu, 24 May 2007 21:53:57 GMT

The Walmart mentality of Americans, American businesses and corperate greed in general are the fault for Chinese copycats. The only way to make a company share-holder happy is to pay him something. How do you do that? Cut costs by outsourcing manufacturing to China. No Unions, health insurance, maternity leave, cost of living increases or any of the other one-time job benefits that everyone now thinks is their God-given right as an American. We got too demanding with our job perks and companies sent the manufacturing to Mexico (remember that?). When the Mexicans started crying for more than $0.50 and hour, the companies moved the jobs to India and China. Tainted food for your pets, you and now poisoned toothpaste all coming from China should convince us not to do business with them. But I'm sure some risk assessment somewhere says it's still better for profits to kill some consumers than pay more for manufacturing. The US allowed Japan to dominate the television market in the 50s/60s by allowing them to import TVs at below cost. Small fines were paid to the government and the practice continued until they ran American companies out of business or forced them to outsource to compete with Japanese prices. Who's fault was that? The US Government for allowing it and US consumers for buying a cheap product as opposed to good ones. Now Japanese products are superior quality and US electronics are nearly non-existant. A self-created situation based on profits, government inaction and consumer ignorance. The only difference now is that it is China this time. The finger needs to be pointed at America and its corperate practices, not China. If you continually invite someone you don't like to go swimming, don't keep crying that they keep peeing in the pool.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

pukin chinese chunks — Thu, 24 May 2007 21:57:18 GMT

fix the issue by buying american when you can, if you can still find it. they cant make a quality tool to save their life but sure make tasty food, so long as it isn't from the humane society. they dont respect IP and neither do they practice american cleanliness in their cooking and will save a buck by scaping unused food back onto the buffet. try washing your hands when you use the potty too! forget about IP, i think there is a conclave that is trying to destroy us by making us sick

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Pete, Mays Landing NJ — Thu, 24 May 2007 21:57:55 GMT

who is to blame ?, one of china's largest trading partners is also the largest retailers in the world, a US based company, who has set up factrys to make stuff to sell to the US. They are china's bigest trading partner, I unloaded the trucks at one of the stores, a lot of made in china labels. They are the bigest retailer in the US also and if they were a country would be there 8th largest trading partner. So who is buying this stuff, are there jobs more inportant than a cheep product? next time you go to the big box mart, buy from inporters who don't play fair, don't cry because you lost your good paying job. The price of stock is more inportant than your standard of living. Untill the greedy american bussiness belive diffrently. AT its rate of groth china will need a new earth in the next 20 to 50 years, ignore environental laws ad nausuin. At one time we didn't inport more than we export, now we do, and we are now paying the price. only thing is that this is a pretty old problem that has been out of control and now we are starting to realy feel it's affects, wonder what it will feel like 20 years from now, the fact that the way the PEOPLE who make this stuff are treated like slaves should have made us not buy there products to start with, but who can pass up a deal. I hate to say it but as americans we made our colective beds, and there not comfortable. the worst thing is I had and debated this opinion over 20 years ago. We had the choise at one time but not it's no longer ours as we sold it at the ballot box. mostly single issue voters who elected the people who gave us nothing in return. most didn't even hold up there end of the bargin on the issue they made there ancores.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Larry, NYC — Thu, 24 May 2007 22:00:34 GMT

China Blog, who sponsors you, the PRC directly, or are you trying to curry favor for some clients. You are disseminating falsehoods. Please provide verifiable sources.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

G. G., Seattle, Wash. — Thu, 24 May 2007 22:41:36 GMT

"Buy American"? What a joke. You mean buy something made in China which costs more because some big cat American executive is taking a huge cut out of the price. Why should I buy American when it is made in China anyway? Give me a break. I buy the cheapest product I can find because American product are not made in America anymore anyway.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

China Law Blog — Thu, 24 May 2007 23:00:23 GMT

All I was point out that for this company to expect protection of its IP from China, it has to register its IP in China. The same would be true in the United States in that the U.S. does not recognize Chinese patents over here. This is basic international law. My firm's clients are overwhelminging American businesses who are unhappy with China's protection of IP rights. So all of you who believe my views are based on potential pecuniary gain actually have things backwards. I will add, owever, that unlike those of you who seem to believe American IP rights apply worldwide, my clients are smart enough to know this simply is not the case and so they register their IP in China so they at least have some legal basis to protect their IP under Chinese law for protection. Frankly, I am sick of articles written by Western journalists who go over to China for a week and then take the side of the Western company that was too cheap to register their IP in China and yet still expects China to protect them. I have news for all of you and that is that China is just like every country in the world in that you must abide by its laws to secure the protection of its laws. Much copying is perfectly legal and if you want to stop it from happening, you must register your IP to prevent it. But if you don't register your IP, you can always seek medai coverage regarding Chinese companies copying you.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

G. G., Seattle, Wash. — Thu, 24 May 2007 23:54:08 GMT

"Buy American"? People say buy American, but most "American" products are not made in America anyway. It is just the executives that are American. Yeah, buy your American car made in Mexico to support who? Let's see, the workers were not American, but the CEO is American. Of course, the CEO does not pay any taxes to the government of America (Read how the corporate minimum tax has been abolished). Of course, the CEO wants you to buy from him, even though his product costs more and even though he isn't willing to employ Americans because he wanted to save money. And of course, the CEO wants us to get all upset over the copycats in China even though it has no effect on the rest of us anyway. I say, buy the cheapest product you can buy unless it is a company that refuses to outsource jobs.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

AJ — Fri, 25 May 2007 00:07:07 GMT

"Now they’re anticipating shipping every month at least a container’s worth of goods, which are made in China’s Zhejiang province. " Since their product is made in China I have zero sympathy for these two carpet baggers. They want to take advantage of low wage labor in China for their own enrichment. I hope the Chinese innovate over their product and become the dominant player in thier market. And shame on all American companies who wish to exploit the Chinese workers at the expense of American consumers/labor. This is what will be the downfall of our American Empire, the love of money over love of people.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

JWF — Fri, 25 May 2007 00:33:26 GMT

Point: China isn't Communist anymore. DO your homework. They have a hybrid government model now that they've tweaking since the 80's that barely resembles Communism as your parents remember it from when they had to hide under their school desks during missile drills in the 50's and 60's. After living in the U.S and China, I must say I feel much more safe and more FREE in China than I ever did in the U.S. You guys are victims of endless propaganda and self-imposed tunnel vision. Get outside of your own country for few years and then you'll actually see the world and America for what it REALLY is. Communism is a form of socialism, yes?. The one question on the immigration exam that pretty much all REAL would Americans fail? "United States- What form of government?" They all give the same answer: Democracy. Wrong! The correct answer is?*gasp* Socialism!Yes, that's right, Democracy is another form of Socialism. You guys brow-beat China to death when actually the two countries are very much alike. The only difference? China does things openly in front of the people while the U.S. does all the same things, but behind everyone's backs (and then has the nuggets to lie about it). Same stage, different dressing. Microsoft is the biggest government-approved IP pirate in the world.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Erin, Brentwood TN — Fri, 25 May 2007 00:36:27 GMT

Even if they did patent their product in China, that would be a joke. Copyrights in general are a joke in China, and if you don't believe me, you've never seen the fake-Gucci stalls in Lady's Market in downtown HK. There is no enforcement of copyrights, and it is hurting MANY industries (music, especially) in China. As an American business student who participated in a Chinese business institute in HK, I learned the general thinking is that if you can take it or recreate it, it's yours. And you can pay off any authorities who might question it. As far as them not being creative, it is a product of their historical past. They have capitalism now for sure, but the Chinese have not been taught to be creative or value creativity or individuality. In fact, most haven't been taught much but how to survive. The good news is that if your product is stolen in China to be distributed in the USA, you can stop and control that. Who cares if they're selling to the Chinese for pennies? You don't want that market anyway!! Personally, I think it's very cool that there is a renegade business world out there, and a smart American can learn how to make it work for them!

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Ru — Fri, 25 May 2007 01:06:26 GMT

The chinese readily sell and copy cat anything for money, including selling their girls into sex slavery for the dirty buck. wake up America. These selfish people will take over the world economy. Will then plunge and plunder all acceptable human rights and international standards of rules of engagement between peoples and countries.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Sam Lee, Charlotte, NC — Fri, 25 May 2007 02:55:49 GMT

As WorldBlog pointed out in one of the comments, historically, large industrializing nations tend to be greater infringers of copyright(USA in late 1800s, Japan in 1950s, Korea in 1960s). After they make a name for themselves, standards of living improve, and thus more people can become inventors, then the nation stops being a copycat. United States, Japan, and Korea have all gone through that phase and no one can justifiably say that any of these three nations are copycats in this day and age. I think the article is just trying to point out that given China's current stage of development, its industries are copycat-ing much more than they should be. I've seen a statistic saying that 92% of all software sold(?) in China is pirated, which is within the top five in the world in terms of percentage(therefore far and away #1 in absolute numbers). What's more worrying is that so much of this activity is *organized*--very large, coordinated operations are dedicated to the business of ripping off other people's products--as pointed out by several of the anecdotes seen in the comments. That comment about the chinese customer blatantly declaring that they were going to copy the guy's product was scary. Personally I remember visiting Shenzhen in 2005, and having difficulty telling apart the pirated software from the real ones. They are *that* good at copying. All of this effort that Chinese industries appear to be making to copy rather than to do something new is what is the problem here. I believe Brazil and India are at a similar level of development right now as China, but we don't hear about such problems from them. If someone can shed any light on *why* China is still copying so much, I would definitely appreciate it. Two more things: 1. The Chinese being inventive during a certain period in history doesn't explain a whole lot about how they are now. I think historians generally attribute China's classical innovativeness (paper, clocks, gunpowder, steel) to certain dynasties having innovation-minded policies(like the Song Dynasty), while others (Ming, Manchu) being repressive/conservative allowed China to fall behind technologically. Another example: The Italian people descended(mainly) from the Romans, the strongest warrior civilization of their time. Yet 2000 years later Italian military performance has been embarrassing. Culture and government policy play a huge role in a nation's innovation. 2. Somebody used the urban legend about Japan renaming a city "Usa" in order to put "Made in Usa" on their products. AFAIK this is not true. The city named Usa(宇佐市) has apparently been named Usa since 725 AD, and the city itself has never been an industrial center. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usa%2C_%C5%8Cita

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Warren Bock — Fri, 25 May 2007 03:28:02 GMT

You must file your registeration in China to get protection. China does not follow international law as the person, chinalawyer implied.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Oh come on!, Kowloon, TX — Fri, 25 May 2007 04:03:21 GMT

Geesh! There are some stupid Americans. Some good points, some bad points. Whatever. The bottom line is 90% of you people cannot spell to save your asses! How are we going to fix anything in this country when it looks like most of our country speaks and/or writes like hillbillies living in the mud. Did you think it might be possible you may be just as stupid and lazy as the slimy Chinese you all rail on in this blog? It sure reads like it. I hope and pray you all get some ejoocayshun soon! (For you dimwits, yes I misspelled that word on purpose.)

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

bebop,kingston,wa. — Fri, 25 May 2007 04:04:26 GMT

You know ,making excuses like the chinese commies do----they love to cry-out that they're"Our poor asses ,we poor 3rd world cry baby crap ----- Yeah don't have the guts to open up thier own markets.We here in the U.S.A. have the free-est markets in the world.If the chinese opened thier markets,man we would really be making mega moolah.American Co.'s don't have the guts - they are addicted to super cheap chinese labor opium,and offshore banks.Damn those poor folks in those f##@-*p factories.You know,if you manufacture in china,after your benevolent profit taking grace period,which is bestowed by the chinese "fake-a*&" commies,the communist party is entitled to take over your biz,all of it.They may not get the ir rights,but they'll keep it cranking out the goods. ?HOW DO YOU LIKE THOSE APPLES?

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

sdffgsdjf — Fri, 25 May 2007 06:02:17 GMT

well you have already created china, and another new china in iraq, see cheap labour!! who can work for you all night for WALMART!!!! to make your barbies look prettier. everyone likes cheap things. and you have shown how to create it. why crib about it!!!! ( sorry for being hmmm racist ) but thats the way i felt soory folks!!!!!

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

T Stewart Beijing PRC — Fri, 25 May 2007 06:04:45 GMT

I am going to spend a few minutes durng my afternoon break here to respond to the 3 subsequent posts which came in after I posted this morning. 1." China like Japan a few years ago will be as successful as the U.S. deems appropriate. None of us will ever see the day that the U.S. is not the center of the world economy. If China elects to balk at our concerns we will just remove their largest market from them. We still hold all the cards, we just currently have cowardly leaders afraid to play them. Lance Carroll, NC (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 4:38 PM)" ----- Actually this poster reminds me of the attitude of Bush presenting to the UN last fall, and then especially of Hugo Chavez' remarks stating that the devil came here to talk yesterday - and spoke as if he owned the world. Perhaps a psychiatrist would help. I wonder how Mr. Carroll and his children, already struggling with the groaning debt of U.S. wars in the 21st century will be able to pay the China trade deficit approaching a trillion dollars? With more empty western promises and tall mildly threatening talk? Thanks, like Bogie said in Casablanca to the bully approaching the bar in Rick's Casino, "You cash is good at the bar." Or maybe Mr. Carroll thinks enough bombs can change the minds of the world since the two big 1st century war blunders have gone so well, at least according to their controlled press? One can agree with him, perhaps the world is indeed just not big enough to keep such states around, but it is certain that the whole world is carrying on and will continue to hold the best - and most - cards. I wonder what it would have been like if the recent China trade delegation had come to DC bearing a big whopping bill for the billions in goods made on the backs of poorer Chinese workers? 2."If you want to know what China is about look at Tibet jazzy (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 4:43 PM)" Yes, indeed! Take a look at the success. Tibet now has trains, communication, trade, education, and health care. Before China took the affirmative action to retake the territory, the only future was for the farmers to pay the theocratic monks running a successful patriarchal age old cleptocracy. Now they have a life, and - as a foreign expert I can tell you - I have known many here in the cities - they are happier than before. Sure thee are difficulties, but it is better, much so. 3. "The point is this: MSNBC's world blog now sucks. Now what am I supposed to do while at work??? MSNBC ain't no good no more (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 4:50 PM)" Dear Sir or Madame, I have a radical suggestion for you to do while you are at work. Give work a chance. Perhaps then your peace will come!

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

T Stewart Beijing PRC — Fri, 25 May 2007 06:23:18 GMT

One more thing. China is innovative as hell, believe it. Their handiwork is everywhere,and it is milennia old. This morning I looked at steles written in 169 A.D. - and even the language was fairly understandable to me, a wei guo ren foreigner. They are quintessentially deliberate, make no misake about it. And Chinese are master craftsmen, so when they get around to invent something - when they wish to - it will be the best in the world. And a lot of the data and manpower is already here, thanks to the brain drain from the west (similar to the WWII refugees fleeing the repression from Germany). So stay tuned, critical mass can't be far behind for some key technology innovations. Also on this thread - as far as I know "Kimchee" is Han Guk / Korean. However, the biggest Kimchee factory in the world is being built now in Heilongjiang China (some kilometres big) - the same China which has the biggest building in the world (Shanghai) and the biggest dam in the world (3 gorges).

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Holly Garfield — Fri, 25 May 2007 06:55:47 GMT

My first comment is that cheap knock-offs are everywhere and unavoidable. Check out any Wal-Mart or other discounter. Clothes, shoes, accessories are mostly cheaper versions of current styles. China is the manufacturing center of the world for now, so most knock-offs, like most other products, come from China. It is not a Chinese problem, it's a world-wide situation. It is a natural part of free enterpirse. My second thought is what happens if you stop the Chinese knock-off trade? My answer is NOTHING!!!! The only change will be the name of the country after the words 'Made in...' Blocking Chinese knock-offs will just move the trade to Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, etc. The small business in the artice will only see different faces looking at the products, the knock-offs will continue. And Chinese workers will lose their jobs to some other workers.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

J.Smalls , Jacksonville, Fl — Fri, 25 May 2007 07:21:29 GMT

GO CHINA ! I love bootlegged movies. Ever take a family of 4 out? 27 bucks for tickets, 27 bucks for concessions, jockeying for a good seat, some loud teens talking over the film, cell phones, etc. Bootleg movies are 5 for $20, watched on my 61 inch tv, all while snuggled under blankets with the family. Dim Sum you win, and Dim Sum you lose. Georgia Bulldogs Rule!

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Anil — Fri, 25 May 2007 08:09:12 GMT

All you bozos who are cussing China Law Blog obviously don't know the first thing Intellectual Property, so please desist from making stupid comments (Gaelen, please at least get a high school education or something). It is very simple - if you don't want your product copied in any country you have to file patent or copyright claims in that country. Which of course means that if you did so in the USA, no one can sell infringing goods/services in the USA, even if they were manufactured elsewhere.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

American in China — Fri, 25 May 2007 08:20:15 GMT

It's a shame that people can only point a finger... never ask why they are pointing it in the first place. Hey you! Give us unrestricted access to your work force! Hey you! Don't improve workers conditions because that would increase our costs! Hey you! Consume our media and forget your culture! ... Hey you! what do you think you are doing by following our path to success!. Really people, America rose to the top on the backs of slave labor and by raping the environment, now at the top they protect their position by condemming anyone who does the same, while ignoring there own failures in human rights and enviromental protection. America joinned the western powers in a hundred years of plundering the nation of China.America feeds the world consumerist dreams and rebuke those that follow that dream. The american government mongers fear against those that challenge their position and to reign in the growing dissatifiaction at home. So whats this now, The new Axis of Evil, China, India and Vietnam...

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Fire Dragon, Beijing China — Fri, 25 May 2007 08:28:02 GMT

Yeah, China invented stuff hundreds and hundreds of years ago, some of those in the thousands of years ago. Recent inventions? What? Got nothing? That's right. The problem is that when Neo-Confucianism became the only way to advance in China (some time in the Song Dynasty or the Mongolian Occupation of China) the Chinese lost their innovation and invention. They looked inward, built walls (the Great Wall was "built" in the Ming Dynasty as a propoganda work against the Mongols much like Hadrian's Wall in Britain, and similar to Hadrian's wall all it did was let the "barbarians" know the empire feared them). After a "bad omen" the last great thing they did (Zheng He's explorations) were buried and had to be REDISCOVERED by Western researchers. Now everybody here is so "proud" they may have "discovered" America (How do you "discover" a place where people already have lived for thousands of years?), but the imporantant point is that it was covered up and forgotten and added NOTHING to the development of China after it. Yes China was exploited by the British and other Colonial powers, but China is doing the same thing in Tibet, Xinjiang, and now Africa (Sudan has the full support of the Chinese Gov't without any mention of Darfur). As to being copycats, how about what every Chinese today strives for? Have a car, buy a house, waste tons of resources. Sounds a lot like the American "Dream" to me, can't even come up with their own standard of "making it".

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

evotoup China — Fri, 25 May 2007 08:44:10 GMT

Guess why so many people are degrading Chinese ? Simply because China is coming to be stronger. Guess why more and more people are coming to degrade China these days? U.S. wants China to strengthen the value of the currency! Thieves? Give me a break! If you trace back the history, you can easily find out that westeners are all the offsprings of the robbers. "Thinking about the future of the mankind."? You ......

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Nanson Hwa, Chula Vista, California — Fri, 25 May 2007 09:05:21 GMT

Apparently three items that China did not copy is duty, commitment to family/social relations and usefulness before profit and convenience.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Nanson Hwa, Chula Vista, California — Fri, 25 May 2007 09:06:18 GMT

Apparently three items that China did not copy is duty, commitment to family/social relations and usefulness before profit and convenience.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Michael — Fri, 25 May 2007 09:14:37 GMT

You people cry racist this, racist that. You don't know what goes on in China unless you have lived there. You hypocrits that are crying that the Chinese are being picked on need to wake up and smell the capuchino. I have lived here for 15 years in China and Hong Kong. I have a lovely Chinese wife, whom I adore. But the way they cheat people, steal property and remove the right to protest, is the way they live their ethics. The Chinese are always looking at ways to screw one another, steal, copy and power their way into the world markets. Now adays all they need is a speech from Hu Jin Tao that China need more oil and the stock markets around the world go into a feeding frenzy. They have hinged all their hopes of being like their Western neighbours and have done whatever they had to do to get there. The wealthy in China are growing daily and they are spending their money on all the luxuries they couldn't have before. They do not buy their own low quality crap...they prefer the superior name brands. And they don't care how much it costs. So lets think about this. 1. We buy their crap. 2. They buy luxury name brand goods. I have seen countless situations where Westerners, living in China have been screwed by their Chinese landlords for their bond, damages that don't exist etc. And when they try to bring in their Chinese wife or girlfriend or friend to negotiate with the landlord, the landlord is so shocked that a Chinese has come to the aid of a Westerner. They believe that the Chinese should only help the Chinese. This how they do business. You are only useful as long as you have a use. Is it also a growing problem, that they are not just trying to put cheap crap onto the markets around the world, they are making dangerous products to sneak into these markets. Chinese tooth paste is one of the latest to contain dangerous banned chemicals. Pet food, dirty mushrooms, the list is growing daily. China should never have been given WTO. This was a mistake because they have not proven capable of being responsible. You should also knwo that a good number fo these factories that infringe are government state owned enterprises. My wife and her family are always opening my eyes to the fact that the locals laugh everytime a foreigner gets cheated. In China, they have made and continue to make fake eggs, counterfeit medicine, counterfeit baby milk --- with a result that lead to infant death. Why should they be allowed to export that to foreign shores? And before one of you Chinese, or so-called supporters calls me a racist and tells me that if I don't like it I should leave...I have the right to make your choice. Also China has it's good points. For me it is my wife and her family and the many friends we have made there. Sadly, I do not see China bowing to the West when it comes to copying, counterfeiting and pirating...this is just one of those things that we all accept here. But once this goes offshore I think you Americans need to take off the gloves and quit playing nice nice with them. They are scrupulous in business, scrupulous in finding a way to cheat themselves and others and completely ingenious at making the rest of the world pay for their progress. They may have invented paper and many other things. And these may have been stolen or given freely, but that is the past. We live in a world that moves a lot more faster and a world that is only as big as the size of our computer screens. Just remember one thing the Chinese didn't invent. It is the ability to have a conscience.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

zunaid , jhb,south africa — Fri, 25 May 2007 09:34:57 GMT

In response to Geobill,"slave labor", is not interesting that the great american companies are flocking to china to have their goods produced,which are then purchased by the great american public with their clear conscience.Why are you not bad mouthing your corporations and your goverment,is this because it reflects badly on you, and the world knows how good you are.Hypocrisy is a beautiful thing.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Jenny K — Fri, 25 May 2007 10:50:22 GMT

We need to reform our Patent and trademark laws. Just because it is an original work (song, video, software) etc. should not make it patentable. If it is sot easy to copy, is it really original. For recording artists to think they should never have to work again after a hit is ludicrous. Making an obvious minor change / improvement to an existing product should not be patentable. The PTO is weak willed and often issues patents they know will not be upheld in court. Did it really take 10 years of development to realize your product? So what if you make a shoe organizer and someone else copies it. All throughout history, humans have copied good ideas from one another…. It is sort of like Darwinian idea evolution. As a country, we need to rely less on IP and more on delivering excellent products at fair and reasonable prices. As Americans, you choose the products purchased within this country. Buy less, buy and recognize quality. Don’t be enamored or persuaded with designer labels. You should refuse to submit to wearing product logos as a walking advertisement. BTW, I do have a product that I sell internationally. I work everyday to improve my product. You want to copy it…. Fine do so. I hope mine is better than yours, and my head start keeps my cost lower than yours.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Mitch Bupp, Henry, Va — Fri, 25 May 2007 11:00:09 GMT

While businesses worry about the copycats they encourage the illegal immigrants to flood the US labor maket with cheap goods (labor). Businesses are just reaping what they sew when it comes to this issue. SInce they (businesses) want to keep labor costs down they encourage the import of copycat workers into the US under cutting the US labor market stealing money away for American workers. One day the US and China will face off in a conflict. The US government has already let China destroy the US manufacturing base. The US is economy beholden to China and our economic ties to China will be used against the US because the US is China's subordinate when it comes to producing goods.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Arvin — Fri, 25 May 2007 11:48:14 GMT

Try to defeat China at its own game.How? Ask a patent lawyer.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Arvin — Fri, 25 May 2007 11:52:53 GMT

How do you defeat China at its own game? INNOVATE!You are ahead of China by 98%.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Bill Charlestown Indiana — Fri, 25 May 2007 13:35:10 GMT

It seems as if we all complain but no one makes the first move. Do you really want to stop the chinese imports? Bitchin is cheap and painless gettin in the streets thats a different animal and I`ve heard no one here speak of a revolution to stop buying these imports, or anyhing like it. You need ideas? Look at Walmart home depot or Lowes all these stores are stocked with large percentages of these imported goods sold cheap to keep you comin back your wallet seems to have more pull than your brain. Do you want to stop the oil companies, then slow down. you folks need to do something if you want changes, it won`t start by it self.I don`t want to sound hateful but I believe if enough folks work together and pull in the same direction you will get the changes you want and everyone wins

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

josh, fort worth, TX — Fri, 25 May 2007 13:38:46 GMT

Some of you should learn how to compose a sentence. You should proof read your own comments, and correct your mistakes, before submitting a knock on someone elses article or comment. I just laughed when i read that the example used was a shoe organizer. What a lame example of innovation. So if the chinnese do not innovate, but they produce so much product, then are we not looking at the wrong point here? Seems to me like innovation is not the one and only key to a thriving economy.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Art, CA — Fri, 25 May 2007 13:48:47 GMT

Someone asked where to actually buy the shoe organizer which inspired this story. Here's an article all about it: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4191/is_20070320/ai_n18763550

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Anonymous — Fri, 25 May 2007 14:23:35 GMT

this is just a quick news flashback for the user kimchee who claims that "West" has stolen Chinese inventions such as paper, movable type and printing press. Those were invented independently (think Gutenberg and the printing press). Also, think Alfred Nobel (gunpowder as a way of safely transporting nitrogliceryne). China has historically been very reclusive, which is ok. It is simply wrong to suggest that China has just handed technologies over to the West in the past. This is simply not true. Had that been the case, Dark Ages would not have lasted as long as they did (Printing press was an information revolution combined with decline of Latin and rise of national languages). Today's issues with copyright and intellectual property are somewhat different because nobody can claim ignorance of other cultures and civilizations (unless one lives under the stone). Knowingly taking advantage of protected intellectual property is bound to backfire in the future.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Bush likes the killing — Fri, 25 May 2007 14:38:24 GMT

I'm just waiting for King Bush to declair war on China too...

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Phil in NJ — Fri, 25 May 2007 15:17:23 GMT

Folks, This has been one of the most amusing postings! The relative wealth of nations will always be in flux. China's wealth has been growing, but at what cost? Tremendous pollution, tremendous social up-rooting, that will come to haunt them as it has haunted us. America has more than enough natural resources, more than enough ecological preservations, more than enough talent (including bright people from around the world) to stay a desirable place for many years. Rest assured that we will use and abuse China as much as they will us. In the end, America will look after its own interests, even if that means eliminating foreign trade. But we are nowhere near that. Hopefully economic war will be less painful than physical war.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Slavery — Fri, 25 May 2007 15:25:41 GMT

If China has to establish themselves being a copycat, then by all means. Much better than how the US established themselves through tobacco and slavery.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Dan Whidbey Island — Fri, 25 May 2007 16:46:22 GMT

Ohhh So now we're worrying about China ? Here we have a Country run by people who have no regard for others. Look at Mao's many purges They've consistantly lied,stolen,and used outright threats (Look at Taiwan). Most of the Party members believe that they are entitled to whatever they can steal from the people. Sounds like a perfect partner for the United States.All one has to do is look at our Foreign Policies over the past few decades.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Jeff Sanders — Fri, 25 May 2007 22:59:53 GMT

The new catch phrase "The Chinese Way". After doing business the last 15 years in China, you get to learn just about everything there is to know about the Chinese. Comments made about any race are always considered racist and offensive but when does the truth start becoming racist? Here is the thing to know about dealing or doing business with the Chinese. You are going to get bent over no matter what. Lets say for example you negotiate a deal where you think you will be protected on any product being built in China. As the Italians Say "Forghetabotit!" no matter what your product is open game as soon as you even present an idea to them. When negotiating with Chinese understand that what you think is a good price is usally 8-15 times more then their costs. They pay their village workers next to nothing and they buy and build moulds for next to nothing. So setup fee's and other misc fee's are alwaya a crock of it. After you have found a price both can agree on the first thing the Chinese do is try to figure out a way they can make the product for even less by cutting as many corners as they possibly can to improve their margin. If you deal with any company that works with factories your always paying them a cut and they are getting kickbacks from the factory also. If you are there visiting prepare to be scammed on just about everything. If you shop on weekends prices double and are not negotiated just about everywhere. When you get change from people some of the time the change is foney bills. If you buy any games or movies there, there is a good chance it wont work or be the one you purchased. All Consumer electronics should be tested before you leave the store.. Good luck ever returning anything and always walk away at least 2 times when buying anything it will drop the price another 10-20%. one thing to remember when doing business in or with China, ONE OF THE PEOPLE IN THE TRANSACTION IS GOING TO BE PITCHING AND ONE IS CATCHING.. Are you going to be on top or bottom? Don't do the deal or feel forced into something if your just not comfortable with it!!!!

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

China Law Blog — Sat, 26 May 2007 06:11:29 GMT

Thanks to the person who noted that all I am saying here is that if these people want patent protection in China, they must cough up the money to get their patent registered in China. No patent, no protection. It's that simple, and it is exactly the same way here in the U.S.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

john florida — Mon, 28 May 2007 16:26:56 GMT

this just kills me< you go to china to have a product made because of cheep labor then you bitch about youre product being ripped off ?? They did not put a gun to youre head to go there, if you are so concerned have it made here at home where we have laws.greed bit you in the ass to bad so sad.the all this stuff was said about japan years ago and now they are world leaders in many fields. China is going to be a world leader as soon as it gets enough countries so dependant on it's cheap labor that there is no turning back. as for the americans just look at the label if it says made in china don't buy it. THEY ALMOST KILLED YOURE PETS THEY SHIP THE SAME POISENS IN OUR FOOD AND THE LATEST THEY SHIPPED POISEN TOOTH PASTE !!!WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR YOU TO CARRY ON YOURE OWN EMBARGO ON CHINESE PRODUCTS. JUST DON'T BUY IT PAY A COUPLE OF CENTS MORE AND BUY A PRODUCT YOU TRUST BUT VERIFY THE ORIGIN.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Blaine in Shanghai — Tue, 29 May 2007 02:14:46 GMT

China law blog is correct in that IP rights must be registered in China in order to be recognized and granted protection - the same as in the US, as in the UK, Canada, Europe etc. This author, Adrienne Mong, should have more properly researched her topic before agreeing to write this article to help her whiner of a friend. But, having worked and lawyered in China for 14 years, I can also say that even if she had registered, due to local protectionism, corruption and bribery in the govt and courts, undeveloped legal concepts and undeveloped due process of the law, the author's friend would still be faced with a daunting uphill and very expensive legal road to investigate, track and target and effectively prosecute the offenders. Not to mention that Zhejiang is notorious for knock offs and true entrpreneurs the Chinese are, cannot pass up an opportunity copy a successful idea, product or busines concept - its just part of the uber competitive society where people will use whatever means in order to get ahead. The name of the game is to make money, not necessarily to respect other's ideas.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Castor, MY — Tue, 29 May 2007 07:07:29 GMT

Speaking of copying/knock-off goods, anyone ever been to China, Malaysia, Philipines, Indonesia, India? I beleive you would find similar situations there. We in Malaysia had organized crooks manufacturing pirated DVD movies, even TV-series, which could easily pass for being the real thing unless you've lived here long enough to tell if it's an original copy or not. It's happening in most of the developing world. The great American dream, that is what most of us here envy, and had been struggling to acheive that. I've stayed in the states for 4 years, even though only as a student making the moodest income, I've been living a better life there than back here in Malaysia, so all you Americans should be proud that your lifestyle are the envy many people. So China is pumping out dirt cheap goods of questionable quality, but who's buying it? Basic ECON101, supply and demand. If American public hasn't been demanding for cheaper goods, American corporation wouldn't had set up their factories in China. Take a good look at your home and see how many "made in China" products are there. You can boycott Chinese goods, but lets be frank, how many of you are willing to pay double the price for an American made product when you can get it cheaper when it's Made in China? Many of you may be able to act Noble, but who are you fooling? Corruption in my country is rampant, but it had become a way of life here. Did you know we can pay off a speeding ticket for just USD10 instead of paying for the fine of USD100? Until our quality of life improves here, things will continue the way it is. Same applies for China. We are countries trying to build itself up. Nothing will be perfact, and there will be people breaking the rules along the way. This is one page of our dark history, just as any other developed country in the world had one. Please refrain yourself from generalizing on Chinese behavior. How would you feel when other parts of the world generalize Americans being some ruthless greedy capitalist who will find a way to make more money by any means? You and I are not that much different.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Bob Dittell, Sun City, AZ — Wed, 30 May 2007 04:18:18 GMT

To JWF who posted May 24th @ 8:33pm I not sure where you went to school, but the United States of America is a REPUBLIC. You know, "I pledge allegence to the flag of America, and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands......" Perhaps you might do well to bone up on forms of governments before you post the next time.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Bob Dittell, Sun City, AZ — Wed, 30 May 2007 04:48:03 GMT

To JWF again; Regarding your May 24th post. Do you really believe that China is not Communist anymore? What planet are you living on. China's government is Communist, their economy has become a little Western oriented to allow China to leave the 15th century. But, the economy is still controlled by the government. If you think you are more Free in China than in the USA, then I suggest you stay there, because we need all the cheap labor we can get. Please don't insult the rest of the world with your misguided comments and mis-information. It makes you sound like the true party member you are! And, Communism is NOT a form of Socialism. And, no test given by the government of the USA states that our form of government is Socialism. Of course, every American already knows that.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Harrison, AR — Wed, 30 May 2007 04:50:02 GMT

The great thing bout this country is the freedom. We have the right to choose. Most Americans choose to buy the cheap stuff therefore sending money overseas. This is their right. If you do not wish to be one of those do your research and buy American. All it will cost you is a little time and money. If enough Americans were to do this it would encourage companies to return to the States. It is by our choices that companies dec ide where they are going to set up shop. Their stockholders expect positive returns on their investments. If that means going overseas then it is what they have to do. Our choices dictate these things. For each action there is an equal and opposite reaction. For each $1 spent on a product from overseas is a $1 an American company will never see. So instead of bad mouthing foreign companies for filling a demand, look around your house and replace every single foreign made item with one made here. That would probably cause a great deal of trouble for most. It would include tvs, stereo equipment, wardrobes, kitchen wares and for many automobiles. I say again make sure your house is in order before you curse someone else.

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Mike in USA — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:41:07 GMT

In its quest for world domination, there is no question that China is waging unrestricted economic warfare against America. It is a warfare which has been fabulously successful thanks to home grown economic traitors who have validated Lenin's prophesy that "...capitalists are so greedy they will sell us the rope with which we will use to hang them!" Americans are not likely to see any protection from their government as economic traitors who have become filthy rich off exporting American jobs buy elected officials through massive campaign contributions. America has become for all practical purposes an economic colony of China. The solution is simple; don't feed the dragon. Avoid MIC (made in China)!

Copycats threaten U.S. (and Chinese) firms

Chin Ming Liu, San Mateo, Ca — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 23:42:00 GMT

All I have to say is that Love will always over power hate. If everyone search with-in themselves, what it means to be able to work and get along with one another--This world will be a better place for all. BECAUSE THE GREED IS BUILT IN TO EVERYONE OF US.
We need to stop, think, and keep an open mind to LOVE ONE ANOTHER RIGHT NOW !!! (Marvin Gay)
Then prosperity will surely arrive...