This week the China IPR SME Helpdesk organised two workshops, in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, on using trade secrets to protect intellectual property (IP). Trade secrets can be a viable alternative to the use of patents, with their own specific set of benefits. You do however need to know how to keep a trade secret…a secret. Ms. Beata Suwala, IP expert at the helpdesk, introduced everyone to the pro’s and cons of trade secrets vs. patents. Once a decision has been made, there are several necessary measures that should be taken to enforce trade secrets, ranging from physical and digital protection to Non-Disclosure-Agreements (NDAs) in employee contracts. The presentation can be downloaded here.
The China IPR SME Helpdesk was established with the specific purpose of supporting EU small and medium sized enterprises in protecting their IPR in or relating to China. The helpdesk provides tailored advice -free of charge- on intellectual property and related issues, as well as training. Check their website for more information and a variety of e-learning modules.