Protecting American Television Programming in Russia, China, Taiwan, and Japan

Authors

Rosalind M. Parker

Abstract

As Russian, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese entrepreneurs position themselves to become key players in the global communications marketplace, they present American entrepreneurs with viable opportunities for successful short-term and long-term investments. Given the foreign demand for American television programming, the emergence of new technologies (i.e., wireless cable-television and direct broadcast satellites) and the significant increase in international awareness of and respect for intellectual property rights (as illustrated by the most recent GATT negotiations), major investment in the Russian, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese television industries has become a sound business practice from both technological and economical perspectives. This Article examines the regulation and protection of American programming being shown on Russian, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese tele- Vision, respectively, by discussing the copyright laws and the main broadcast and foreign investment laws that exist in these countries. The author concludes that the cultural values of these countries are moving towards a greater understanding of and moral respect for intellectual property rights. The author also concludes that careful contract drafting is the most effective means for American broadcasters and program suppliers to ensure the maximum legal and practical protection of their investment.

Recommended Citation

Rosalind M. Parker, Protecting American Television Programming in Russia, China, Taiwan, and Japan, 17 UC Law SF Comm. & Ent. L.J. 445 (1994).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hastings_comm_ent_law_journal/vol17/iss2/3