The Genie in the Bottle: Know-how Protection for Start-ups

The consequences of the loss of know-how are far costlier than its protection. With start-ups, it is not uncommon for the entire investment to be at stake. For start-ups, further specific challenges appear besides the typical risks of know-how outflow. Start-ups, for example, face further challenges due to their open communication culture in coworking spaces… Continue reading The Genie in the Bottle: Know-how Protection for Start-ups

Protection and Enforcement of Trade Secrets in China: Regulatory Changes and Implications for Companies

Webinar – October 9, 2019 – 4 p.m. CET The last amendment of the Anti-Unfair Competition Law has been in force in China since the end of April 2019. A new paragraph has been introduced which will have a very direct and specific impact on case law. It regulates the burden of proof in civil… Continue reading Protection and Enforcement of Trade Secrets in China: Regulatory Changes and Implications for Companies

Know-How Protection in Pharmaceutical Companies

Four years have passed since the first proposal of the strategic plan Made in China 2025 (MiC 2025). Although China is toning down the public media coverage and official statements regarding the MiC 2025, the plan is still running. Its goals focus on high-tech areas, including the pharmaceutical industry. The MiC 2025 plan sets ambitious… Continue reading Know-How Protection in Pharmaceutical Companies

China’s Anti-Unfair Competition Law Amendment: Stronger Protection of Trade Secrets

The amended Anti-Unfair Competition Law entered into force in China in the end of April 2019. It is one of a series of laws that have been revised in the course of improving IP protection in China. In our last blog post (link) we analyzed the changes in China’s Trademark Law, where it is questionable… Continue reading China’s Anti-Unfair Competition Law Amendment: Stronger Protection of Trade Secrets

Trade Secrets vs. Patents

Counterfeiting and trade secrets are still the biggest challenges for many IP managers in China. Patents in many industries are now about software, especially in the automotive industry. The biggest challenge is seen in protecting software-related technologies, the problem being patentability. This development corresponds to the task of improving the quality of intellectual property rights.… Continue reading Trade Secrets vs. Patents

E-Car Start Up XPeng: New Trade Secrets Theft Accusations

Last year FBI started criminal prosecutions against a former Apple employee who stole the secret technology for self-driving cars. Now, Tesla is suing out of same reasons a former employee of their Autopilot team. What is the connection between the two defendants? Mr. Zhang and Mr. Cao are not only countrymen but were also switching… Continue reading E-Car Start Up XPeng: New Trade Secrets Theft Accusations

3D Printing Boosts Product Piracy

The number of cases is growing rapidly, in which original spare parts and components are falsified by means of 3D printing. Counterfeiters use the new technology to copy not only car parts and aircraft components, but also surgical instruments, components for hearing aids and cardiac pacemakers, prostheses and implants such as hip or knee joints,… Continue reading 3D Printing Boosts Product Piracy