How Intellectual Property Leaks Affect Business Innovation, Financial Stability, and Competitive Advantage

Intellectual Property Leakage

The long-term impact of leaking private or IP information can impact the development of business, financial stability and competitive advantage. Businesses of all sizes require an effective method to identify and respond quickly to such attacks to stay ahead of competition, minimize their impact on their bottom-line and to restore their image after a disastrous event.

At a high level intellectual property refers to creations of the human mind like inventions works of art and literature such as names, symbols, or designs used in commerce. On an even more practical scale, intellectual property covers private information that can give companies an advantage in competitive markets such as business processes, computer programs manufacturing techniques, and client lists.

The value of these assets can be intangible, and therefore not always measured or recognized, but it is certainly an important asset for a business which must be secured. In the past, potential thieves needed to grab an object (say an outline or a client list) to steal intellectual property. However, with the advent of digital technology it is now easy and cost-effective for cybercriminals to appropriate these valuable assets.

Most of these thefts are due to human error, like sending a confidential document to the wrong person, or losing a device with sensitive information. But some are deliberate and usually the motive is https://heraldinsurance.co.uk/the-new-standard-for-data-security-leveraging-virtual-data-rooms/ money. Manufacturers of semiconductors, for example are subject to heavy penalties if they divulge their IP outside of the country without a deemed-export license. A complete IP lifecycle management solution in place, such as Helix IPLM will help to reduce the risks and ensure that there is no the leakage of this highly sensitive information.