Dear VDMA member,

In today's interconnected business landscape - where we increasingly talk about co-creation between German and Chinese companies - there are immense opportunities for strategic partnerships. However, protecting intellectual property (IP) and data in this context requires skilful navigation of a complex and ever-evolving regulatory framework. Success depends on more than just a well-drafted contract; it demands a multi-layered approach that integrates legal, technical, and governance strategies. Together with a dedicated expert, we want to explore what truly works, both in theory and in practice.

Event Details

Date: 16 October 2026

Time: 15:00-16:30 (Chinese time)

Format: online via MS Teams

Participation Fee: 200 RMB

Agenda

15:00 Welcome by VDMA China

15:05 Brief introduction of the China IP SME Helpdesk

15:15 Keynote:Protecting your IP and Data When Partnering with China, Elliot Papageorgiou, Head of IP Strategy, Enforcement & Trademarks in China, Gowling WLG, IP expert at China IP SME Helpdesk

16:00 Q&A Session

16:30 End

Presentation outline:

1. Importance of IP protection in strategic partnerships in China

• Main risks involved
• Due diligence and IP audit, know what to protect

2. Structuring the partnership

• Joint venture, R&D collaboration, strategic partnership, etc. – implications to IP protection

3. Contractual protection – how to structure a strong partnership agreement

• Ownership of background and newly developed IP, licensing terms, exit provisions
• Confidentiality clauses (NNN vs. NDA), employee management
• Reverse engineering
• Choice of law and dispute resolution

4. Trade secret protection– technical and architectural measures to protect your know-how

• Adequate provision of data vs unnecessary IP exposure
• Data and software protection
• Technical measures to protect your know-how

5. Data governance and regulatory framework

• Data and cybersecurity rules
• Personal information protection rules
• Cross-border data transfers
• Technology import/export controls

Should you have any specific questions or challenges you want us to address during the meeting, please feel free to let us know ahead of the event.

We are looking forward to seeing you soon.

VDMA China