DIFI Masterclass: Trade Secrets
– Managing the Duality of Your Most Valuable and Most Vulnerable Asset
Date: 15 – 16 September 2026
Trade Secrets – How Do You Protect an Intangible Asset That Is Both Your Most Valuable and Your Most Vulnerable?
Trade secrets are often among a company’s most valuable assets. Yet, unlike patents and other registered intellectual property rights, their protection depends entirely on the ability of an organization to identify, manage, and safeguard them effectively.
This creates a fundamental challenge: how do you protect an intangible asset that derives its value from remaining secret, while at the same time being highly vulnerable to loss, disclosure, misappropriation, or employee mobility?
Successful trade secret protection requires more than legal compliance. It demands a coordinated effort across the organization and business functions. Identifying what constitutes a trade secret, mapping critical know-how, implementing appropriate protection measures, and preparing for enforcement are all essential elements of an effective strategy.
This Masterclass brings together leading experts from industry, academia, and legal practice to explore both the theoretical foundations and the practical realities of trade secret protection. Through real-life experiences and international perspectives from Europe, the United States, and China, participants will gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with protecting confidential business information in a global environment.
The Masterclass will also address the relationship between patents and trade secrets, demonstrating how the two forms of protection can complement rather than exclude one another as part of a broader intellectual property strategy.
Speakers include
- Jens Hemmingsen Schovsbo, Professor in Intellectual Property Law, University of Copenhagen
- Charlotte Utermøhl Lund, Head of Patents, Carlsberg Breweries A/S
- Iben Haasum, Vice-President of IP and licensing, Novonesis A/S
- Horace Lam, Co-Country Managing Partner, China, DLA Piper
- Raymond Miller, Partner, US, DLA Piper
- Christian Kragelund, Partner, DLA Piper, Chairman, DIFI
Date and Time
15 – 16 September 2026
15 September: 09:00 – 16:00
16 September: 09:00 – 14:30
Breakfast is served from 08:30 both days.
Venue
IDA Conference, Kalvebod Brygge 31, 1560 Copenhagen.
Price
For members of ADIPA, DIP, and DAIPA, the fee for participating in the two-day course is DKK 6.000 excluding VAT. For all other participants, the fee is DKK 6.500 excluding VAT.
The price includes course materials as well as meals on both days.
Discount
Companies registrering a minimum of three participants will receive a 10% discount on the course fee per person.
Registration
To secure your place at this exclusive event, please register no later than 3 August 2026.
