Modeling the Intellectual Property Rights Environment

The study of the global protection of intellectual property rights environment is an important issue, but the need to develop a theoretical framework is acute. Several descriptive studies of the business problem have been conducted, but, few offer a conceptual framework that tests a model by way of managerial perceptions. In this chapter, a detailed discussion of the results of the research of Chaudhry, Zimmerman, Peters, and Cordell (2010) is given to present a framework and statistical measures to accept (or reject) the proposed model of the IPR environment. First, general research questions and a model of the intellectual property rights environment are given. Second, a synopsis of the variables used in the model, such as the level of consumer complicity, pirate activity, and host country enforcement of intellectual property rights. Third, a brief discussion of the study design to capture managerial perceptions to test this model follows. Fourth, an in-depth discussion of managerial assessment of the variables presented in the model is given with detailed statistical results that either support (or refute) the model proposed in Fig. 4.2. Several of the topics presented in this model are further discussed in other chapters of the book. In Chap. 3 an outline of the source countries of counterfeit trade and the problem of enforcement of intellectual property rights was given. In Chaps. 5 and 6 , consumer complicity to purchase counterfeits and plausible social marketing anti-counterfeiting measures is debated. In Chap. 11 , detailed recommendations for managers to combat this illicit trade are addressed.