Tales from the front line of corporate espionage: The fight to safeguard intellectual property is fiercer than ever

Abstract

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

The theft of intellectual property is as old as invention and private enterprise themselves. The Chinese guarded their monopoly on silk production with terrifying fanaticism, putting anyone who challenged them to death. But even the ultimate threat was not enough to safeguard their secrets forever. About 1,800 years ago, monks smuggled silkworm eggs out of China in bamboo walking sticks. The first steps had been taken to breaking an early Chinese monopoly.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Social implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that can have a broader social impact.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2012), "Tales from the front line of corporate espionage: The fight to safeguard intellectual property is fiercer than ever", Strategic Direction, Vol. 28 No. 9, pp. 29-32. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580541211256530