America has long been recognized as a world leader in innovation. Not only does the unending flow of new inventions make life better for consumers, it also helps create new jobs and opportunities for millions of American families. The “intellectual property” associated with American innovation is protected by a network of laws, including patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets. These legal protections are essential to reward innovation and encourage continued investment in American research and development. Unfortunately, trade secrets are the only form of intellectual property that do not receive robust federal protection. This needs to change.
Image: Alcoa HQ in Pittsburgh. Two years ago Alcoa and three other major manufacturing firms were hacked by five Chinese army officials who allegedly stole trade secrets. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
