A former Google engineer has been convicted of stealing AI-related trade secrets from the tech giant for Chinese companies, according to the U.S. attorney’s office for the Northern District of California. Linwei Ding, also known as Leon Ding, was found guilty of seven counts of economic espionage and seven counts of thefts of trade secrets.
The verdict, which was announced on Thursday, marks a significant victory for the U.S. government in its efforts to crack down on intellectual property theft by foreign entities. It also serves as a warning to those who may be tempted to engage in such illegal activities.
Ding, who worked for Google from 2013 to 2014, was accused of stealing trade secrets related to Google’s self-driving car technology. He then attempted to use this information to benefit Chinese companies, including his own startup, which was focused on developing autonomous vehicles.
The evidence presented during the trial showed that Ding had downloaded over 14,000 files containing sensitive information from Google’s servers. These files included details about the company’s proprietary software, hardware designs, and testing methods for its self-driving cars.
In addition to stealing trade secrets, Ding was also found guilty of economic espionage, which is a federal crime that involves stealing trade secrets for the benefit of a foreign government or entity. This charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $5 million.
The U.S. attorney’s office stated that Ding’s actions were a threat to national security and the economy, as they could have given Chinese companies an unfair advantage in the highly competitive field of autonomous vehicles. They also emphasized that the theft of trade secrets is not a victimless crime and can have serious consequences for the companies and individuals whose intellectual property is stolen.
The case against Ding was brought to light in 2018 when Google filed a civil lawsuit against him and his startup, accusing them of stealing trade secrets. The company also reported the incident to the FBI, which launched an investigation that ultimately led to Ding’s arrest in July 2019.
During the trial, Ding’s defense team argued that he had not intended to steal trade secrets and that he had only downloaded the files for personal use. However, the jury did not find this argument convincing and unanimously found Ding guilty on all counts.
The conviction of Ding sends a strong message to those who may be considering stealing trade secrets from U.S. companies. It shows that the U.S. government takes these crimes seriously and will not hesitate to prosecute those who engage in them.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney David L. Anderson said, “The theft of trade secrets is a serious crime that harms American businesses and threatens our national security. This conviction should serve as a warning to anyone who is thinking of stealing trade secrets for the benefit of a foreign entity.”
Google also released a statement expressing their satisfaction with the verdict and their commitment to protecting their intellectual property. “We are pleased with the outcome of the trial and will continue to take all necessary measures to protect our trade secrets and innovations,” the company said.
The case against Ding is just one example of the ongoing battle between the U.S. and China over intellectual property theft. The U.S. government has been increasingly vocal about the issue, accusing China of engaging in unfair trade practices and stealing technology from American companies.
In recent years, the U.S. has taken steps to strengthen its laws and enforcement efforts to combat intellectual property theft. This includes the creation of a new task force dedicated to investigating and prosecuting these crimes.
The conviction of Ding is a significant victory in this ongoing battle and serves as a reminder that the U.S. will not tolerate the theft of its intellectual property. It also highlights the importance of companies taking necessary precautions to protect their trade secrets and innovations.
In conclusion, the conviction of Linwei Ding for stealing trade secrets from Google is a significant win for the U.S. government and a warning to those who may be tempted to engage in similar illegal activities. It sends a clear message that intellectual property theft will not be tolerated and that those who engage in it will face serious consequences.
