The Allianz Trade Global Survey 2025 clearly shows that Chinese companies are strategically reorienting themselves as a result of the escalating trade conflict with the US and are increasingly turning their attention to Europe. Since American Liberation Day on April 2, 2025, not a single Chinese company with existing supply chains in North America has… Continue reading Chinese offensive in Europe: Focus on IP and IT
Category: Know-how
Leveraging Open Source in China
Open-source technologies are freely available in China, even for European companies. However, to truly benefit from developments in the Chinese open-source ecosystem, European firms must actively engage with the community, establish collaborations, and leverage the expertise of Chinese specialists. This presents a significant opportunity, particularly for medium-sized enterprises, to catch up technologically and enhance their… Continue reading Leveraging Open Source in China
Renaissance of Industrial Espionage
The tech-decoupling driven by geopolitical factors, economic weakness within the country, and efforts to enhance China’s international competitiveness will lead to an increase in Chinese industrial espionage against Western companies and scientific institutions – particularly in Germany. China feels compelled to move up the value chain, create new growth drivers through innovation, and achieve technological… Continue reading Renaissance of Industrial Espionage
China’s Competitive Advantages in Artificial Intelligence
China is emerging as a leading player in many areas of AI. This was demonstrated by the recent World AI Conference 2024 held in Shanghai, where the latest advancements in AI technology were showcased, including the large language model Novel 5.5. The Asian country continues to cooperate intensively with the USA in this field. According… Continue reading China’s Competitive Advantages in Artificial Intelligence
Purchase data can be trade secrets
A landmark ruling in China has found that the purchase of data containing trade secrets can lead to legal consequences. In one specific case, Guangzhou Sanmou Motorcycle, a motorcycle manufacturer, acquired company data from the top ten motorcycle exporters through a contract with a data provider. This data included sensitive information of a competitor, Chongqing… Continue reading Purchase data can be trade secrets
Hydrogen Patents in China
China continues to focus on hydrogen. This is shown by the list “Top 100 global hydrogen industry patent applications for 2022”. Companies from a total of 17 different countries are represented on the list, 32 of which are from China. When it comes to the number of patent applications, however, the ratio looks different: The… Continue reading Hydrogen Patents in China
Evidence in Case of Trade Secrets Infringement
To successfully prove a trade secret infringement in court, viable evidence is required. The plaintiff can prove various forms of infringement: The acquisition of a trade secret through illegal means such as theft, bribery, or fraud; the defendant’s disclosure, use, or permission to use the acquired trade secret; the breach of confidentiality obligations; or the… Continue reading Evidence in Case of Trade Secrets Infringement
Compensation for Trade Secret Infringement
The Beijing Intellectual Property Court has published a guide for the protection of trade secrets. This also deals with the possibilities of claiming damages in the event of trade secret infringements. However, protecting trade secrets in court requires a clear statement of the infringement and the resulting damages. Companies should ensure that they have all… Continue reading Compensation for Trade Secret Infringement
General mobilization in basic research
In a bid to boost basic research in the intensifying technology war between China and the U.S., Shenzhen, the southern Chinese technology hub, is making state-funded scientific equipment costing more than RMB 500,000 (USD 71,623) available to individuals and organizations for research purposes. Basic research is high on Shenzhen’s agenda, and the city plans to… Continue reading General mobilization in basic research
Security, Science and Technology
Political speeches and documents are known to provide valid clues to future developments in the PRC. Analysts therefore try to extract priorities and orientations from the phraseology, word choice, and frequency of terms related to the 20th Party Congress. In doing so, they also take into account minor changes in phrases that have appeared at… Continue reading Security, Science and Technology
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