执行摘要
A leading battery storage company, specializing in energy solutions for data centers and industrial applications, faced challenges in protecting its trade secrets. With manufacturing in China and new manufacturing expansion in the US, the company was at high risk for IP theft. Tangibly partnered with their VP of Special Projects, who reports to the General Counsel, to implement a trade secret protection strategy that safeguarded their proprietary innovations.
导言
The battery industry is highly competitive, with companies investing heavily in innovation. Global supply chains, international manufacturing, and strategic partnerships increase the risk of trade secret theft. This company needed a strong system to protect its technology and maintain its competitive edge.
The Subject
This company develops proprietary battery storage solutions for data centers and industrial applications. Key challenges included:
- Manufacturing in China, increasing exposure to IP risks.
- Expanding manufacturing operations in the US, requiring trade secret protection for a new set of employees.
- High-value trade secrets, including proprietary battery chemistry and design.
- Employee and partner risks, with sensitive information shared across global teams.
The Problem
With overseas manufacturing and complex supply chains, the company faced:
- Potential IP leaks through contract manufacturers and suppliers.
- Increased risk from employee turnover and partner relationships.
- Rising industry competition, especially in China, where Western Technology is sought after.
- Acknowledged vulnerability in their trade secrets, requiring immediate risk mitigation.
The Solution
Tangibly implemented a comprehensive trade secret protection framework:
Trade Secret Inventory & Classification
- Identified and categorized critical trade secrets.
- Established a centralized Trade Secret Registry.
- Prioritized trade secret protection as one of the company’s key strategic projects.
Supply Chain & Partner Security
- Strengthened contractual safeguards (NDAs, confidentiality clauses).
- Implemented secure file-sharing and access controls.
Employee IP Risk & Compliance
- Introduced confidentiality training and role-based access restrictions.
- Developed exit protocols to prevent data leaks.
- Ensured all employees were trained on trade secrets and signed updated agreements before the US expansion.
- Integrated compliance measures into the General Counsel’s risk assessment strategy.
Results & Impact
With Tangibly’s support, the company:
- Reduced trade secret loss and minimized IP exposure.
- Ensured all employees were trained on trade secret protection.
- Updated all policies with clear trade secret language.
- Strengthened internal compliance and trade secret protections.
- Reduced legal risk and safeguarded its competitive advantage.