“IP theft a major concern for automotive companies, US report shows”

“Dykema’s annual survey reveals that technology advancements in the auto industry have created more opportunities for IP misappropriation.”

The World IP Review article “IP theft a major concern for automotive companies, US report shows” reports that intellectual property (IP) theft has become a leading concern for automotive companies, with more than half of industry stakeholders identifying it as a top risk, driven by the sector’s shift toward software, battery technology, and advanced manufacturing processes that are easier to copy or reverse-engineer. It explains that threats have grown more sophisticated, ranging from employee departures involving sensitive data to cyberattacks, global supply chain vulnerabilities, and online marketplaces distributing counterfeit or stolen technology. In response, companies are adopting more proactive and comprehensive protection strategies, including stronger trade secret controls, tighter supplier contracts, coordinated enforcement actions, and forensic monitoring.

The article also notes a shift in priorities around AI-related IP concerns—dropping from last year’s levels and breaking into more specific issues like patent eligibility and inventorship—while other risks, such as counterfeit parts, software-defined vehicle licensing, and joint R&D ownership continue to shape how companies manage and protect their intellectual assets.