Which of the following is a challenge in enforcing IP rights in China?

Local judicial protectionism is a significant challenge when it comes to enforcing intellectual property (IP) rights in China. This phenomenon occurs when local courts exhibit bias in favor of local businesses, potentially leading to unfavorable outcomes for foreign firms seeking to protect their IP rights. Local courts may lack the motivation to prioritize the enforcement of IP rights for non-local entities, and judges might feel pressure to support domestic companies, contributing to an uneven legal landscape for foreign applicants.

Additionally, local judicial protectionism can result in inconsistent application of IP laws, where courts in different regions may interpret or enforce laws differently. This lack of uniformity can create uncertainty for foreign companies and may inhibit their willingness to invest or engage in business activities in such an environment. Therefore, the challenge underscores the complexities faced by foreign businesses when trying to navigate and enforce their rights effectively in China’s legal system.

The other options may not reflect the core challenge as accurately as local judicial protectionism does. For example, while high damage awards for infringement may be an issue in some jurisdictions, the substantial procedural and systemic barriers created by local biases remain a notable concern for effective enforcement.