China’s IP piracy problems clearly influence its intellectual property reputation on the world stage. However, Tian Lipu, head of China’s State Intellectual Property Office, also believes that western media may also be responsible.

Tian has stated that: “Speaking honestly, there is a market. People use and buy pirated goods. [But] to a large extent, China’s intellectual property rights protection image has been distorted by Western media.”

“China’s image overseas is very poor. As soon as people hear China, they think of piracy and counterfeiting. We don’t deny (this problem), and we are continuing to battle against it,” he added.

Tian contends that the Western media is compounding China’s poor image on IP by only reporting on the problem, but not the steps that the country is taking to solve it.

“For example, China is the world’s largest payer for patent rights, for trademark rights, for royalties, and one of the largest for buying real software. We pay the most. People rarely talk about this, but it really is a fact. Our government offices, our banks, our insurance companies, our firms… the software is all real,” Tian noted.

Tian also highlighted that large companies like Apple are willing to manufacture their products in China. “Of the goods made for Apple, most are made in China. Once Apple’s brand is added to it and it is exported to the United States its value doubles,” he said. “This could only happen because China’s intellectual property rights environment sets foreign investors at ease allowing them to come to China to manufacture.”

China has made strides in recent years to strengthen IP protection. According to the 2011 BSA global software piracy study, China’s software piracy rate fell to 77 percent, compared to 92 percent in 2003. Although the rate still exceeds the global average of 42 percent, it represents a significant step in the right direction. Nonetheless, there is work to be done both here and abroad.

How Can I Help?

If you have a patent you need help to file, or have been sent a BSA letter accusing you of software piracy, or know someone that can use my help, please contact me for a free 30 minute consultation at nvantreeck@usip.com or call TOLL FREE at 1-855-UR IDEAS (1-855-874-3327) and ask for Norman.

– Ex astris, scientia –

I am and avid amateur astronomer and intellectual property attorney in Pasadena, California. As a former Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, I am a proud member of the Armed Service Committee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association working to aid all active duty and veterans in our communities. Connect with me on Google +

Norman