IRMA-International.org: Creator of Knowledge
Information Resources Management Association
Advancing the Concepts & Practices of Information Resources Management in Modern Organizations

Developing Country Perspectives on Software: Intellectual Property and Open Source. A Case Study of Microsoft and Linux in China

Developing Country Perspectives on Software: Intellectual Property and Open Source. A Case Study of Microsoft and Linux in China
View Sample PDF
Author(s): Xiaobai Shen (University of Edinburgh, UK)
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 21
Source title: Standardization Research in Information Technology: New Perspectives
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Kai Jakobs (Aachen University, Germany)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59904-561-0.ch014

Purchase


Abstract

This chapter looks at implications of the emerging global intellectual property (IP) regime for developing countries (DCs) and their attempts to improve their technological capabilities. It further highlights the new perspectives for DCs opened up by the emergence of non-proprietary (open source/free) software, such as Linux. A case study of the battle between Microsoft and Linux in China is used to explore the dilemmas faced by China in determining what IP regime (strict or weak) to adopt, and the threats and opportunities that either may pose for indigenous technology development. Based on the case analysis, the chapter criticizes the simplistic polarized views that have been presented of the implications of the global IP regime and of the potential of non-proprietary software. It explores some of the complex considerations about the interplay between technology strategy and IP protection for China and discusses the policy implications for China and other DCs.

Related Content

Jeff Mangers, Christof Oberhausen, Meysam Minoufekr, Peter Plapper. © 2020. 26 pages.
Sylvain Maechler, Jean-Christophe Graz. © 2020. 27 pages.
Sabrina Petersohn, Sophie Biesenbender, Christoph Thiedig. © 2020. 41 pages.
Jonas Lundsten, Jesper Mayntz Paasch. © 2020. 21 pages.
Justus Alexander Baron. © 2020. 31 pages.
Vasileios Mavroeidis, Petros E. Maravelakis, Katarzyna Tarnawska. © 2020. 19 pages.
Hiam Serhan, Doudja Saïdi-Kabeche. © 2020. 30 pages.
Body Bottom