International Conference on Protection of Trade Secrets and Economic Espionage

The US Economic Espionage Act of 1996 delineates the term ‘trade secret’ and comprehensively covers all forms, types, mechanisms, and even information having economic value that may be at risk of theft, misappropriation, and claims. The gross impact of foreign economic espionage exposes much higher cross-border complexities and risks, unlike the impact of unfair and anti-competitive practices by a competitor in the local market or in a particular sector.

EU countries and the USA have promulgated laws to protect and provide for preventive measures, injunctions, and compensation for infringements of trade secrets and have introduced general measures to protect them through civil or commercial courts as well. Currently, businesses in India use their trade secrets within their limited means to exercise the clauses under a non-disclosure agreement or non-compete agreement with the parties. Furthermore, they implement a robust IT security infrastructure for controlling the accessibility of important trade secrets, which is always insufficient in the modern emerging digital landscape.

So far in India, protection against trade secrets and economic espionage is provided under the Civil Law, Criminal Law, and Information Technology Act, 2000, which is insufficient and requires a lot of clarity. Unauthorized and illegal exploitation of an unprotected trade secret, if it remains uncovered under the specific legislation, poses an international threat, a serious risk, and serious economic consequences. Thus, a codified law with a separate regulator and enforcement authority in lines of sectoral regulators such as Competition Commission of India would address the issue and protect the industries and economy at large.

In view of the above, amid subject-related ongoing international developments and in pursuance of a need for India to have futuristic legislation, The Law Commission of India and ASSOCHAM are organising First International Conference on “Protection of Trade Secrets and Economic Espionage: Trends and Impediments under Law, Regulation, and Enforcement” on March 6, 2024, in New Delhi.

The conference aims to invite national and international stakeholders to participate, delve into the high-level deliberations, and contribute to India’s progress in developing a model of legislation that balances and protects the trade secrets-related rights of all, including trade and industry.

Invitation for delegate nomination/ registration:

We take this opportunity to cordially invite you to join and/ or nominate your professional colleagues for their participation in the conference.

Please refer to the brochure for more details.