The Product Piracy Conflict Matrix – Central Element of an Integrated, TRIZ-based Approach to Technology-based Know-how Protection

The paper gives a general introduction to product piracy as an economic and a methodological challenge. Technology-based know-how protection is presented and its potentials outlined. The corporate value chain is discussed as the relevant system when implementing technological know-how protection mechanisms and as an essential dimension of the so called Product Piracy Conflict Matrix (PPC Matrix). Forming the methodological analogy, the TRIZ contradiction table is presented as a starting point for the PPC Matrix. The development of the matrix is described and its implications as part of a comprehensive process model for technological know-how protection are discussed. Finally, a detailed and critical outlook both towards its application potentials and towards further research needs is given.