Chapter 3 Case Study: Read the case study described at the end of Chapter 3 “Pirates of Globalization” (p.112) and for the class discussion think about discussing your thoughts to the following questions as listed in the case.
1. What actions can companies and governments take to ensure that products cannot be easily pirated? Be specific.
2. Do you think that the international business community is being too lax about the abuse of intellectual property rights? Are international companies simply afraid to speak out for fear of jeopardizing access to attractive markets?
3. Increased digital communication may pose a threat to intellectual property because technology allows people to create perfect clones of original works. How do you think the Internet might affect intellectual property laws?
4. Update the Tiffany vs. eBay lawsuit mentioned in the case. Identify each main argument of both the plaintiff and the defendant. If there has been a settlement, what were the terms? If the case has been tried in the courts, what was the verdict? What have been the implications of the lawsuit for counterfeits sold on online auctions?
The following sources can give you further details about the information mentioned in this case:
• Andrew Batson, “Fox Aims to Foil Piracy in China with Cheap DVDs,” Wall Street Journal (www.wsj.com), November 13, 2006. • “Psst, Wanna Buy a Cheap Bracelet?” The Economist (www.economist.com), July 1, 2004. • Nick Wingfield, “Tiffany sues eBay for Allowing Counterfeit Merchandise on Site,” Wall Street Journal (www.wsj.com), June 22, 2004. • Frederik Balfour, “Armani is Starting His Long March to China,” Wall Street Journal (www.wsj.com), May 3, 2004. • Murray Hiebert, “Car-Parts Piracy has Auto Makers Spinning their Wheels,” Wall Street Journal (www.wsj.com), February 26, 2004.
Chapter 4 Case Study: Read the case study described at the end of Chapter 4 “Cuba Comes Off its Sugar