The Five Eyes Stare Down Trade Secret Theft (Video)

On Sunday evening, CBS's 60 Minutes aired a segment featuring "The Five Eyes" and the critical issue of state-sponsored intellectual property ("IP") and trade secret theft. While geopolitics and national security issues might not be directly on the minds of most business leaders and researchers developing the critical IP to support cutting-edge technologies, including biologics, computing, and artificial intelligence, this segment offers a strong reminder for why entities must be cognizant of IP theft and remain vigilant in safeguarding their intangible assets.

The Five Eyes comprise intelligence directors of the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, including F.B.I. Director Christopher Wray. The threat of IP theft around the globe has long-existed, but these intelligence leaders laid out the purposeful and increasingly sophisticated tactics that may be used to target and steal IP and trade secrets. As the Director General of the U.K.'s MI-5, David