Global Manufacturer Uncovers Trade Secret Theft, Collusion in Internal Investigation

A global manufacturer of leading technologies in circuit protection, power control and sensing performed an internal investigation into suspicions that employees of its newly acquired business unit were setting up a competing enterprise. Our firm led the investigation for the manufacturer, which uncovered evidence that an employee had transferred confidential information and trade secrets, including technical documents, equipment lists, distributor lists and financial data, to his personal email. Evidence of collusion between current and former employees regarding a competing business venture was also discovered. The manufacturer terminated the involved employees and considered, but ultimately decided against, taking criminal and civil action against the individuals. As a result of the investigation’s success, our firm was engaged again to advise on aspects of Chinese employment law pertaining to a global acquisition.