1 It is essential that studying these issues - with the objective of better understanding the nature of traditional knowledge about intellectual property rights and level of abuse - in order to identify possible legal as well as practical ways of promoting and protecting intellectual property rights expropriation the action by the state or an authority of taking property from its owner for public use or benefit confiscation the action of taking or seizing someone's property with authority; seizure nationalization the transfer of a major branch of industry or commerce from private to state ownership or control The scenario described in the question is not illegal Rather, it constitutes a "grease payment" for cutting red tape 4."See you in court" is one way to respond when legal issues arise Why can that approach backfire when the issue concerns global marketing? Arbitration can be faster, easier, and less expensive than litigation Also, with arbitration, you have the likelihood of a "level playing field," since you agree BEFOREHAND on how the arbitration will be handled