Trade secret infringement in China (Ti-Cons)

Ti-Cons is a technology provider for titanium dioxide (TiO2) production. At the outset, Ti-Cons had provided their clients with a range of technical documents (know-how), including software, production drawings, specifications and operating manuals, which the SME had taken measures to protect as trade secrets. All the technical documents were delivered using double strong encryption, with triple encryption used for key equipment, and were provided on a need-to-know basis. In addition, the technical documents contain hidden markers that identify them as IP of Ti-Cons. The SME hadnot patented any technology in China. The technology was transferred via concluding a technology transfer license, while Ti-Cons maintained the ownership of the IP around the world, including China. Subsequently, the SME also provided training to the teams of both plants and initiated the plants’ operational phase.