On April 17, Professor Francis Gurry, former Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Honorary Dean of the Shanghai International College of Intellectual Property, Tongji University, visited the College to deliver a special lecture entitled "Trade Secret Protection and Economic Crime." During his visit, he also engaged in in-depth discussions with faculty members and students.
In his lecture, Professor Gurry explored the theme of trade secret protection and economic crime from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Drawing upon historical cases and the evolution of legal institutions, he systematically traced the strategic development of trade secret protection—from the safeguarding of technological know-how in ancient times to its pivotal role in today's global competitive landscape—highlighting its significance in technology transfer and strategic competition among nations. Against the backdrop of digital transformation, the globalization of industrial value chains, increasing cross-border mobility of talent, and intensifying geopolitical competition, Professor Gurry examined the critical role of trade secrets as a key carrier of the core competitiveness of both enterprises and nations. He further analyzed the emerging challenges posed by new forms of economic crime, including data breaches and cross-border trade secret misappropriation in the digital era, providing the audience with an analytical framework that combined historical depth with forward-looking perspectives.
During the interactive discussion session, faculty members and students actively engaged with Professor Gurry on a wide range of topics, including the practical boundaries of trade secret protection, legal approaches to combating economic crime, and emerging trends in global governance. Drawing on his extensive experience in international intellectual property governance, Professor Gurry responded thoughtfully to each question, sharing authoritative insights and practical perspectives. The lively exchange provided participants with valuable guidance that combined rigorous academic analysis with practical relevance.
