Back to RJ Archive

Apologies as intellectual property remedies: Lessons from China.

Nguyen, Xuan-Thao
June 4, 2015

Source: (2012) Connecticut Law Review. 44(3): 883-923.

It is a frequent refrain that “the world is shrinking.” In this same vein,
the global influence of China is clearly rising. Chinese businesses are
becoming more prominent in the global market, and as such, the influence
and effect of Chinese law is likewise gaining in import. Chinese
intellectual property law is no different.
One notable aspect of Chinese intellectual property law is the
availability of apology as a remedy. Despite a culture that places a high
value on apology, and considerable legal scholarship and precedent
regarding apology as remedy, many in the United States scoff at the notion
of introducing apology as a remedy in U.S. intellectual property law.
There are, however, limits to the effectiveness of injunctions and damages
(currently the predominant remedies in U.S. intellectual property law), and
tangible benefits to apology. This Article uses Chinese intellectual
property law as an example and addresses the limits of the current U.S.
intellectual property regime, as well as the potential benefits of a change.
The Article concludes that it is time for the United States to learn from
beyond its boundaries in order to provide just recourse in intellectual
property disputes. (author’s abstract)

Tags:

Abstract
Support the cause

We've Been Restoring Justice for More Than 40 Years

Your donation helps Prison Fellowship International repair the harm caused by crime by emphasizing accountability, forgiveness, and making amends for prisoners and those affected by their actions. When victims, offenders, and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results are transformational.

Donate Now