The recent appearance of Tsinghua University-branded purple canteen bowls on second-hand trading platforms has sparked both public fascination and legal concerns. As netizens flocked to view and even request purchases of these items, a critical question arises: Is this merely admiration for elite academic culture, or does it constitute potential intellectual property infringement?
The "University Tableware" Intellectual Property Debate
Reports indicate that sellers recently listed "Tsinghua University tableware sets (purple bowl + spoon)" on resale platforms, marketing them as both functional items and collectibles. University cafeteria staff confirmed these were authentic dining hall items but emphasized their strict policy prohibiting removal from premises. The institution has since launched an investigation.
This incident follows a similar controversy where vendors sold bottled water from Peking University's famous Weiming Lake, accompanied by dubious claims about cognitive enhancement. Both cases demonstrate attempts to commercialize prestigious academic institutions' cultural symbols without proper consideration of intellectual property implications.
The phenomenon extends beyond campus borders. Cross-border e-commerce sellers frequently encounter comparable "unintentional infringement" dilemmas. Many merchants, seeking appealing designs, print copyrighted artwork on clothing and accessories without authorization. Such violations can trigger mass complaints (TROs), store suspensions, and frozen assets when rights holders intervene.
Cross-Border E-Commerce's Intellectual Property Minefields
Intellectual property challenges in international trade encompass more than copyright issues. Common pitfalls include delayed trademark registration and incomplete trademark category coverage. Sellers often neglect to register trademarks for new product categories, risking preemption by competitors and potentially costly trademark repurchases.
Amazon marketplace cases demonstrate how intellectual property violations rank among the most significant risks for cross-border sellers. Infringement determinations can yield both financial penalties and lasting brand reputation damage.
Intellectual Property Awareness: A Mandatory Lesson for Global Sellers
The appeal of university tableware lies in its embodiment of elite academic culture. Similarly, international merchants must balance market demands with respect for local cultural values and intellectual property rights when expanding overseas.
Some sellers shortcut product development by copying designs, achieving temporary gains but ultimately facing infringement consequences and brand deterioration. In modern commerce, intellectual property serves not just as legal protection but as brand foundation. Comprehensive pre-launch checks—including patent searches, trademark verification, and copyright confirmation—are essential for sustainable business growth.
Mitigating Intellectual Property Risks
International sellers should implement these protective measures:
Enhance IP awareness: Study target markets' intellectual property laws and develop sensitivity to potential violations.
Conduct thorough IP research: Perform complete patent, trademark, and copyright investigations before product development.
Secure registrations: Promptly register original trademarks and patents to protect innovations.
Obtain proper licensing: When using third-party creative works, establish clear usage agreements with rights holders.
Develop IP management systems: Create structured protocols for ongoing intellectual property protection.
While the university tableware incident appears minor, it highlights broader intellectual property awareness gaps. For global merchants, proper IP protection isn't optional—it's fundamental for business survival and growth in competitive international markets.