It has been interesting reading the various opinions being expressed here in this discussion. As a couple of writers have noted, the appropriation of knowledge (without attribution to the source) has been the mainstay of technological advancement by the major powers over many decades, if not centuries.
Even though it is popular to classify such appropriation as "theft", it isn't theft. The term is used often in a cynical way by those who have appropriated such knowledge from others before them to provide a justification to maintain an advantage over those who follow them. Theft requires that the original party no longer have access to the items in question. For theft of knowledge, one would have to ensure that the deaths of those who know it have occurred and that there are no extent records available for that knowledge.
There have been many in the USA, including government organisations (civil and military), who have appropriated knowledge from others for their own benefit. One only needs to look at the history since the late 1800's to see many of these appropriations.
Many countries, organisations and individuals have done this. It has happened in the past, it happens today and it will happen in the future. In one sense, the only solution is for the free dissemination of knowledge in every area, but in many areas that will not happen.
I have a friend who will be prosecuted if he releases any information about a certain subject matter that he developed and was going to use commercially because a certain government pushed another government to appropriate that knowledge. These things happen and happen regularly.
So China appropriating technological know-how to various areas is nothing new and is just following in the footsteps of those who have gone before. So getting in a tizzy about it is not helping. If one wants to make a difference then be better at that area than anyone else. Produce what the consumers want at a price they are willing to pay and you will get a market share.
If someone copies you, then use that as a marketing strategy. Make sure that you can do it better than them. There are enough examples of companies and individuals that produce quality and still make enough to keep going. Look at your game plan and stop worrying inappropriately about the competition. If you are being copied then you must be doing something right and you can use that to your advantage, even if you are a one-man shop.
Even though it is popular to classify such appropriation as "theft", it isn't theft. The term is used often in a cynical way by those who have appropriated such knowledge from others before them to provide a justification to maintain an advantage over those who follow them. Theft requires that the original party no longer have access to the items in question. For theft of knowledge, one would have to ensure that the deaths of those who know it have occurred and that there are no extent records available for that knowledge.
There have been many in the USA, including government organisations (civil and military), who have appropriated knowledge from others for their own benefit. One only needs to look at the history since the late 1800's to see many of these appropriations.
Many countries, organisations and individuals have done this. It has happened in the past, it happens today and it will happen in the future. In one sense, the only solution is for the free dissemination of knowledge in every area, but in many areas that will not happen.
I have a friend who will be prosecuted if he releases any information about a certain subject matter that he developed and was going to use commercially because a certain government pushed another government to appropriate that knowledge. These things happen and happen regularly.
So China appropriating technological know-how to various areas is nothing new and is just following in the footsteps of those who have gone before. So getting in a tizzy about it is not helping. If one wants to make a difference then be better at that area than anyone else. Produce what the consumers want at a price they are willing to pay and you will get a market share.
If someone copies you, then use that as a marketing strategy. Make sure that you can do it better than them. There are enough examples of companies and individuals that produce quality and still make enough to keep going. Look at your game plan and stop worrying inappropriately about the competition. If you are being copied then you must be doing something right and you can use that to your advantage, even if you are a one-man shop.