Introduction

Abstract

This chapter first outlines the development of intellectual property (IP) protection in China and in the international system more generally in order to highlight the importance of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) for international IP protection. This chapter also explains why compliance theory is potentially a useful tool with which to analyse the development of IP in contemporary China, compared to previous studies of the legal system in China. Finally, this chapter concludes with the key research questions that this study aims to address. These key questions related to the impact of WTO accession and TRIPS obligations on the IP system in China; the characteristics of the TRIPS Agreement itself that may affect a WTO Member’s compliance; China’s subsequent compliance with TRIPS commitments; and any outstanding areas of non-compliance and why and how they can be resolved.