Perceptions of ‘shanzhai’ companies may be changing, but international brands still face a fight

While ‘shanzhai’ companies have traditionally been regarded as a scourge on corporate innovation, a new report, published by UK think-tank Nesta, has urged a rethink – observing that several of these shanzhai businesses have absorbed and adapted technology and successfully launched market-leading products. While negative perceptions of these companies may be slowly changing in some quarters, international brand owners are advised to stay current on their marketplace activities if they are to protect their brand in China strategically.