While the concept of causing harm has always existed in China, the Western-style legal concept of individual “rights” (权利, quánlì), especially intellectual property rights, is a more modern development. Historically, Confucian-influenced culture often prioritized collective harmony and relationships over individual claims. However, since China's economic reforms and entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), the term 侵权 (qīnquán) has become incredibly important. The government has built a massive legal framework to protect intellectual property, and public awareness of personal rights (like privacy and reputation) is growing rapidly. Therefore, 侵权 (qīnquán) is a powerful lens through which to view modern China's transformation. It represents the shift from a relationship-based society to one that is increasingly governed by codified laws and an international standard of rights. Unlike the American context, where “suing for infringement” has a long history, in China, it's a newer but explosive phenomenon, especially visible in online disputes over content creation, plagiarism, and brand imitation.
侵权 is primarily a formal and legal term, but its usage has spread into semi-formal and online contexts.