Against Intellectual Monopoly: Free Software in China

The Free Software/Open Source movements have not only challenged the proprietary software, but have also inspired many other movements against intellectual monopoly far beyond the software world, challenging the IPR dogma as a whole. However, these have had less influence in China thus far, though there has been a rapid growth of free/open source software in China. This article argues that China now needs a different voice against the IPR dogma and should make a contribution to the international effort against intellectual monopoly, and the software industry could be where to start. On one hand, China should take further measures to promote the development of free/open source software. On the other hand, China needs to scrutinize and reform relevant economic and legal systems and adjust strategy for international negotiations, strengthening antitrust enforcement against software monopoly and taking a tough stance against software patents in international community.