60. The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu is pleased to introduce information on our trade secrets legislation. The first version of a Trade Secrets Act entered into force in 1996. It only provided stipulations on civil liability. This was in consideration that the Criminal Code already provides stipulations on crimes involving illegal disclosure of commercial and industrial secrets. As many Members have recently modernized their systems of trade secrets protection there were calls for amendments from the corporate sectors that had witnessed and been victims of trade secrets infringement.
61. Stakeholders expressed their concerns about potential misappropriation of R&D results and a compromised global competitive edge. As such, they demanded that the act include a criminal liability to effectively deter infringement and strengthen protection and create an environment that safeguards fair market competition. The amendment quickly responded to the needs of stakeholders.
62. The current Trade Secrets Act comprises a total of 16 articles and it entered into force in 2013. The act has been amended to enhance protection, deter crimes, safeguard R&D resources and maintain fair competition.
63. Both the US and the EU mentioned that in today's economy information and know-how representing the result of R&D investments, creativities and business initiative have become the key for developing and maintaining competitive advantage. We look forward to further cooperation in creating a healthier business environment with other Members. It will enable innovators to protect and benefit from their know-how when engaging in collaborative innovation.
