Latest News:  

English>>China Society

China Voice: Copycats stifle Chinese innovation

(Xinhua)

20:47, June 03, 2013

BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- It's hard to believe that a giant rubber duck could say so much about China's continued failure to innovate.

Chinese netizens have been fawning over a giant inflatable duck created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman that sailed into Hong Kong on May 2. Their great interest in the duck subsequently led local entrepreneurs to create copies of the duck to promote their businesses.

In central China's city of Wuhan, a rubber duck identical to Hofman's duck appeared in a lake that is part of a real estate project on International Children's Day. A spokesman for Country Garden, the project's developer, refused to specify who owned the copyright to the design of the duck but said that copyright infringement had not occurred.

However, in a phone interview conducted by the Wall Street Journal with Hofman, the man said he had not made any agreement with the real estate developer.

In east China's city of Hangzhou, another real estate developer used a giant rubber duck as a promotional tool as well. Similar ducks have appeared at a park in the city of Chongqing and a karaoke bar in Shanghai.

The incident has demonstrated how far businesses can go in China without respect for copyright, although it is not the first or only incident of its kind.

The copying isn't limited to foreign products, either. Many entrepreneurs imitate their domestic competitors as well. An excellent example would be the seemingly endless parade of dating shows that materialized after "If You're The One," a hit dating show produced by the Jiangsu Satellite Channel, debuted in 2010.

The high cost of innovation and efficiency of imitation both make it easier for many businessmen to neglect copyright protection. Over the last 35 years, labor-intensive manufacturing has acted as a pillar for China's economy, with thousands of small businesses churning out cheap and unsophisticated products that are easy to copy and hard to regulate.

China's economic development has also outpaced the development of copyright legislation and education. Many Chinese aren't even aware of the existence of copyright laws, let alone why they should be followed.

The government has made some attempts to toughen its stance regarding copyright infringement in recent years. Campaigns have been launched to eliminate counterfeiting and progress has been made in copyright legislation and law enforcement.

But if China wishes to realize innovation-driven development and proper protection of copyright, it must raise public awareness. Legislation and education will be key to this effort.

We Recommend:

State-owned barbershop dying out

China’s weekly story (2013.5.18- 5.24)

Wine club: a new way of life in the city

Left-behind children, victims of school violence

White angels in Chongqing South West Hospital

Baby abandoned in toilet pipe rescued

Children in rural areas: Fewer toys, more joy

Chinese-style hurdlers in street

Left-behind children before Children's Day

Email|Print|Comments(Editor:DuMingming、Wang Jinxue)

Leave your comment0 comments

  1. Name

  

Selections for you


  1. Mechanized infantry brigade in drill

  2. Navy's sea training taskforce in drill

  3. International Children's Day around world

  4. Photo story: Mask girl's hard life

  5. Oil tank blast causes casualties in NE China

  6. Cute tiger cubs taken under patronage

  7. Xinghua village by the Great Wall

  8. Facial makeup of Peking Opera

  9. Fortune Global Forum to be held in Chengdu

  10. View of Hefei Xinqiao International Airport

Most Popular

Opinions

  1. Exit from QE in U.S. not to be a problem
  2. Yuan may continue to appreciate
  3. Benefits of Shuanghui's meat deal
  4. News Analysis: No need to pit China against US
  5. China, US should head towards the same direction
  6. Stronger dollar serves as damper on gold prices
  7. Who needs a diploma? just want to marry rich
  8. Acquisition to sharpen Shuanghui's edge
  9. Manipulative kids seek gifts on Children's Day
  10. Japan, India eager to forge closer ties

What’s happening in China

Photo story: Mask girl's hard life

  1. Central China mine blast kills 10, injures 15
  2. 4 killed in Taiwan earthquake
  3. China allocates 110 mln yuan to flood-hit areas
  4. 90 pct Chinese parents support sex education
  5. Unmarried mothers would be fined by new law