China, long known as one of the biggest sources of counterfeit merchandise and piracy of intellectual property is suddenly getting a taste of its own medicine. Chinese authorities have had to scramble to try to rein in a burgeoning cottage industry of fake 2008 Olympics merchandise. According to the Beijing Youth Daily, Chinese authorities have investigated at least 80 websites selling fake Olympics gear.
There are two things about this report that made me stop and think:
- This may be the first time that China has had a brand strong enough to attract the attention of its own counterfeiters and
- I'm wondering if this taste of its own medicine will signal an era of stronger protection for international intellectual property.
Thoughts and comments are welcome. Xie Xie in advance.
