Calculating punitive damage multiplier in intellectual property cases: An empirical study and the enhanced model.

The application of punitive damages in intellectual property cases in China has encountered notable deficiencies within the judicial context. These deficiencies, including a limited range of applicability, frequent recourse to statutory damages, difficulties in ascertaining the appropriate damages b...

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Main Authors: Jiangang Shang, Weiqi Xu, Weina Xu, Keyao Wu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2025-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308447
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author Jiangang Shang
Weiqi Xu
Weina Xu
Keyao Wu
author_facet Jiangang Shang
Weiqi Xu
Weina Xu
Keyao Wu
author_sort Jiangang Shang
collection DOAJ
description The application of punitive damages in intellectual property cases in China has encountered notable deficiencies within the judicial context. These deficiencies, including a limited range of applicability, frequent recourse to statutory damages, difficulties in ascertaining the appropriate damages base, and a marked reliance on subjective factors in calculating multipliers, undermine judicial consistency and fairness. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive quantitative analysis by selecting 79 pertinent judgments from a dataset of 3,478 intellectual property rulings. Initially, we developed a multiple linear regression model to assess punitive damages. Upon encountering negative estimated coefficients, we improved the model to a Beta Generalized Linear Model. The efficacy of the new model was validated through an improved R-squared value compared to the original model and by analyzing an additional 45 cases. Both models highlight the scope of infringement and the reputation of intellectual property assets as critical variables. They suggest that wider infringements lead to greater economic penalties and emphasize the significant market value and potential financial losses of intellectual property. Significantly, this study represents a pioneering initiative in China, establishing a model to assist in the legal determination of punitive damages in IP cases.
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spelling doaj-art-e2ff027dabc9482c8e6ecee9865082002025-08-20T02:15:24ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032025-01-01202e030844710.1371/journal.pone.0308447Calculating punitive damage multiplier in intellectual property cases: An empirical study and the enhanced model.Jiangang ShangWeiqi XuWeina XuKeyao WuThe application of punitive damages in intellectual property cases in China has encountered notable deficiencies within the judicial context. These deficiencies, including a limited range of applicability, frequent recourse to statutory damages, difficulties in ascertaining the appropriate damages base, and a marked reliance on subjective factors in calculating multipliers, undermine judicial consistency and fairness. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive quantitative analysis by selecting 79 pertinent judgments from a dataset of 3,478 intellectual property rulings. Initially, we developed a multiple linear regression model to assess punitive damages. Upon encountering negative estimated coefficients, we improved the model to a Beta Generalized Linear Model. The efficacy of the new model was validated through an improved R-squared value compared to the original model and by analyzing an additional 45 cases. Both models highlight the scope of infringement and the reputation of intellectual property assets as critical variables. They suggest that wider infringements lead to greater economic penalties and emphasize the significant market value and potential financial losses of intellectual property. Significantly, this study represents a pioneering initiative in China, establishing a model to assist in the legal determination of punitive damages in IP cases.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308447
spellingShingle Jiangang Shang
Weiqi Xu
Weina Xu
Keyao Wu
Calculating punitive damage multiplier in intellectual property cases: An empirical study and the enhanced model.
PLoS ONE
title Calculating punitive damage multiplier in intellectual property cases: An empirical study and the enhanced model.
title_full Calculating punitive damage multiplier in intellectual property cases: An empirical study and the enhanced model.
title_fullStr Calculating punitive damage multiplier in intellectual property cases: An empirical study and the enhanced model.
title_full_unstemmed Calculating punitive damage multiplier in intellectual property cases: An empirical study and the enhanced model.
title_short Calculating punitive damage multiplier in intellectual property cases: An empirical study and the enhanced model.
title_sort calculating punitive damage multiplier in intellectual property cases an empirical study and the enhanced model
url https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308447
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