Managing knowledge distribution to prevent product imitation and counterfeiting

Product piracy poses an existential threat to many companies. Juristic property rights, which are currently dominantly put to practice, do not suffice to combat this threat. The rise in cases of piracy and the increasing professionalism of the counterfeiter, give grounds for effective methods of prevention. Based on the gap of existing approaches identified we evaluate how knowledge modeling could help to design preventive measures. We develop a novel approach which makes information and knowledge leaks transparent, analyzable and controllable. The approach is based on modeling the interactions and transfers of information and knowledge between departments of a company with internal and external business partners. For this purpose, a modeling process for knowledge-rich business interactions is used and modified for the specific purpose. Choosing dynamic assessment questions allows to on the one hand establish the level of risk of information and knowledge on piracy and on the other hand to prioritize measures specific to a company. In addition, the procedure reappraises companies’ existing modes of prevention. Based on this analysis, the method helps to develop and rank measures to hinder the theft of information by pirates. The introduced approach fills the gap in known concepts of protection, which are used only after a case of piracy has taken place. The approach also adds a new perspective in knowledge management.