Intellectual Property Law In The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Trade Secrets Risks And Opportunities

Intellectual Property (IP) is increasingly recognised as a paramount intangible asset influencing the value of companies, as well as their corporate strategies and management. This article focuses on the risks and opportunities associated with the implementation of new technologies on the protection of trade secrets. The study concludes that Intellectual Property Law and Contract Law solutions must be underpinned by the business strategy and the business model. In addition, changes to organisational structures are necessary to bring together functions that typically operate in silos in many manufacturing businesses, namely: Engineering, Information Technology, Commercial and Legal departments. The present study was guided by the inductive and hypothetical-deductive methods, using bibliographical research.