Protecting Trade Secrets from Cyber Espionage: A Legal Analysis

Abstract

This thesis provides a clear, well-structured, and timely legal analysis of the EU framework for protecting trade secrets against cyber espionage. It demonstrates strong doctrinal depth and effectively situates trade secret law within the broader context of cybersecurity and strategic autonomy. The comparative analysis with the U.S. DTSA and Economic Espionage Act is particularly persuasive, highlighting the limitations of the EU’s predominantly civil and territorial approach. The argument for integrating mandatory cybersecurity standards and strengthening criminal enforcement is coherent and well supported. The methodology is sound, and the analysis engages critically with both legal scholarship and policy implications. Overall, the thesis represents a strong and original contribution to contemporary EU trade secret and cybersecurity law.