Significance of Intellectual Property Rights in the Era of Global Value Chain: A Case Study of Apple

Abstract

After emerging out of the extensive outsourcing activities of multinational corporations, the virtual factory model is now playing a prominent role in globalization. Using Apple as a case study, this paper explores the concept of a virtual manufacturer. As multinational corporations extensively use intellectual property in emerging markets, they are also concerned about the infringement of intellectual property rights. This study examines this problem that has become increasingly relevant in the context of the protection of intellectual property rights in global value chains and trade. An international index is used to demonstrate that rights to intellectual property are typically excellent in industrialized countries and adequate in the majority of developing countries. The trade dispute between the US and China has received considerable attention here.