Intellectual property management : know-how protection in rolling stock business cooperations

Abstract

This thesis discusses know-how protection schemes in rolling stock business cooperation, specifically focusing on transfer of technology. After essential terminology is defined, the state-of-the-art of industrial know-how protection schemes, based on literature research, is presented. The research also encompasses financial assessment methods of knowledge assets and its utilisation. Furthermore, this thesis investigates the current know-how protection conduct of a rolling stock manufacturer and analyses its risks and shortcomings compared to the state-of-the-art. Based on the investigation results several technical concepts for know-how protection are derived. These concepts undergo detailed evaluation of their cost-benefit to the collaborating rolling stock firm. The technical know-how protection method with the best evaluation score is automated data filtering. It uses a converter to automatically create documents from pre-defined content levels, which are then ready for transfer.