Globalization and the Technology Standards Game: Balancing Concerns of Protectionism and Intellectual Property in International Standards

86 Pages Posted: 5 Nov 2007 Last revised: 26 May 2014

Abstract

Standards for technology have become a significant factor in international trade. Intellectual property ("IP") is central to the development of standards, particularly in the information and communication technologies ("ICT") industries. This article explores the relationship between standards, IP and international trade. I focus, as a test-case, on China's development of a proprietary encryption standard for wireless communications - the WLAN Authentication and Privacy Infrastructure ("WAPI") standard. In May 2003, China approved the WAPI standard and decreed that by December of that year, all wireless devices sold or imported into China would be required to incorporate this technology. This mandatory approach would have fractured the world market for wireless products, raising trade law concerns. Under pressure from the U.S., China later suspended its mandate.

An uneasy tension arises from obligations in the WTO's Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade ("TBT Agreement") to use relevant international standards, and the possibility that their adoption will entail payment of royalties to foreign IP owners. The claim against China has been that it is focusing on home-grown standards, to the detriment of existing international standards. China has responded that the mandatory adoption of international standards does not come without cost, particularly for developing countries. It has complained of unfair treatment when seeking to participate in the international standards system, contending that IP rights create obstacles to trade.

The WAPI case illustrates standards' indeterminate nature as trade facilitators and indispensable elements of the ICT industry, on the one hand, or potential measures of protectionism when applied inappropriately, on the other. It also highlights the IP dimension to international standards, identifying a source of friction within the system. How do we balance the rights of IP owners to receive compensation against the interests of those seeking to achieve harmonization by implementing international standards? My claim is that to balance and achieve these objectives, the framework of the TBT Agreement should be extended so that IP rights are properly addressed in the standards development process. In particular, two basic principles - early disclosure of IP rights and declaration of position concerning licensing of those rights - should be integrated into the TBT Agreement as part of its guidelines for international standards. A balanced policy governing IP rights will strengthen international standards and promote harmonization, while supporting the rights of IP owners to receive reasonable compensation.

Suggested Citation

Gibson, Christopher S., Globalization and the Technology Standards Game: Balancing Concerns of Protectionism and Intellectual Property in International Standards. Berkeley Technology Law Journal, Vol. 22, p. 1401, Suffolk University Law School Legal Studies Research Paper No. 07-39, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1010125

Christopher S. Gibson (Contact Author)

Suffolk University Law School ( email )

120 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02108-4977
United States
+1-617-305-3050 (Phone)

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