Title: Vehicle data controls - balancing interests under the Trade Secrets Directive

Authors: Freyja van den Boom

Addresses: Centre for Intellectual Property, Policy and Management (CIPPM) and Faculty of Media and Communication, Bournemouth University, UK

Abstract: As vehicles are becoming more connected and increasingly autonomous, new opportunities emerge using the data vehicles generate. Telematics is an example of how data generated through vehicle use, enables insurers to develop more accurate risk profiles and adequate premiums. Having access to vehicle data provides those who hold the data with a competitive advantage which in addition to increased concerns over privacy, have led to initiatives to control vehicle data access. The European Parliament has called upon the commission to publish a legislative proposal that ensures a level playing field on access to in-vehicle data and resources, protecting consumer rights and promoting innovation and fair competition. To contribute to the discussion, this paper analyses the potential for vehicle manufacturers to control vehicle data through trade secret protection.

Keywords: trade secrets; vehicle data; telematics; GDPR; data portability; data access rights.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTPL.2024.142827

International Journal of Technology Policy and Law, 2024 Vol.3 No.3, pp.206 - 223

Received: 03 May 2019
Accepted: 02 Jun 2020
Published online: 28 Nov 2024 *

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