The 2025 International IP Index provides a snapshot of 55 economies’ overall IP frameworks. Multiple types of IP protection must be in place for innovation to thrive worldwide, including effective trade secrets protection.
Trade secrets are vital for businesses to protect their commercially valuable confidential information. However, the latest findings from the International IP Index reveal that this category remains one of the weakest areas globally, with many economies lacking effective trade secrets protection.
By the numbers:
- Only 23 of the 55 economies included in the Index scored 50% or higher in the trade secrets category.
- The average score for this category is the lowest across the Index at just 48.97%.
The results:
- Some economies are taking steps to improve their trade secrets framework. In South Korea, new amendments strengthened existing penalties and damages for trade secrets theft and misappropriation of confidential information.
- In India, a new trade secrets bill included a workable definition of what constitutes a trade secret, addressed misappropriation of trade secrets, and included potential civil recourse mechanisms. However, the bill also includes several troubling provisions that could undermine the strength of India’s trade secrets regime.
Yes, and: While many high-income economies receive over 50% of the total score in the trade secrets category, some developed markets are currently considering measures to weaken trade secrets protection.
For example, the EU is currently considering legislation that reduces the term of regulatory data protection (RDP) and conditions extensions of RDP term on external factors, such as market access. As the legislation moves through the trilogue process, it will be critical for the final agreement to maintain the existing RDP framework and ensure it is contingent upon factors within companies’ control.
Our take: Trade secrets are the backbone of many industries, from technology to pharmaceuticals. Without adequate protections, businesses face significant risks that can stifle innovation and economic progress. The Chamber urges policymakers worldwide to address these gaps and create environments where trade secrets are safeguarded effectively.
Learn more: Explore the full International IP Index to see how economies are performing in trade secrets and other critical IP categories. Visit uschamber.com/ipindex for more insights.
