FRAND in China

Abstract

This Essay discusses antitrust-related FRAND issues in China. In Part I, the Essay provides an overview of China’s antitrust regime and its interaction with intellectual property rights. In doing so, the Essay offers an explanation of the nature of the Chinese antitrust regime that builds upon both the industrial organization and the political economy literatures. In Part II, this Essay discusses standard setting in China, and how FRAND-related issues are handled under Chinese standard-setting laws and regulations. In Part III, the Essay explores recent developments in Chinese courts that impact FRAND. In particular, it discusses the Huawei v. InterDigital case and its implications for global FRAND licensing. In Part IV, the Essay offers thoughts on the lack of transparency in China’s antitrust regime as well as the use of industry policy in the FRAND setting and how these issues may negatively impact consumer welfare.

Keywords: China, antitrust, intellectual property, IP, FRAND, competition law, AML

JEL Classification: K21, L42, O34