You probably haven't heard of the TPP, which stands for the Trans-Pacific Partnership. It was formed in 2005 and amended in August 2013 to include 12 countries, including the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
The general intent of the agreement is to widen markets, allow access to global markets in a free-trade environment and, most importantly, protect those ideas and processes from any form of theft. Well, if you believe the politicians. There's more under the hood.
The list of opponents is long, and if TPP is instituted, many fear its IP regime could trample individual and corporate rights and free expression, as well as ride roughshod over the intellectual and creative commons.
Protecting electrical controls and equipment within food and beverage plants presents unique challenges due to the sanitation requirements of the hygienic environment.