Role-playing
At an early stage in the process, we responded to one of the company's shareholders upon the possibility that the toy might be produced in China. In our opinion, such production leaves the patentee with small opportunities to influence the working conditions, as the company itself claims that it wants. At the same time, current Chinese law prevents production that complies with the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The company did not follow our advice, yet they have used the informal contact between them and us to get a sort of alibi in this case.
NorWatch has had contact with many companies that initially do not encourage public reports on their activity. However, most of them realise that if the facts are presented, both they, we, and others may learn from the problems Norwegian business faces abroad.
Neptun Toys obviously does not want others to learn from its experiences. They have misunderstood what NorWatch's purpose is.
Norwatch Newsletter 7/00