I’ve been studying intellectual property in China for a few weeks and have already highlighted the complete failure to enforce IP rights effectively. The most egregious example being the Silk Market, which has seven floors of counterfeit goods. Anywhere you look you can spot a dozen trademark violations. Yet, apparently the market continues to thrive.
Here is some data from the People’s Daily Online:
- In 2005, the Silk Market moved into its current building from outdoor stalls.
- It once drew 100,000 shoppers a day.
- It once had sales in excess of RMB 100,000,000 per year.
What baffles me is that the article says,
The Beijing Xiushui Clothing Co. Ltd. was planning to cooperate with Taiwan businesses to set up a new Xiushui Market in Taipei
How can the government sanction such activities when they know the market sells what it sells?