Legal Case Summary

United States v. Walter Liew


Date Argued: Wed Nov 16 2016
Case Number: 14-10367
Docket Number: 4539295
Judges:Schroeder, Wardlaw, Owens
Duration: 48 minutes
Court Name: Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Case Summary

**Case Summary: United States v. Walter Liew, Docket No. 4539295** **Court:** United States District Court **Date:** [Insert Date] **Case Overview:** Walter Liew was charged with various offenses related to the theft of trade secrets, specifically involving the misappropriation of proprietary information belonging to the company DuPont. The case centers on Liew's alleged involvement in a scheme to steal proprietary information on a manufacturing process that DuPont had developed for producing titanium dioxide, a critical material in various applications, including paint and plastics. **Charges:** Liew faced multiple charges, including: - Conspiracy to commit trade secret theft - Trade secret theft - Money laundering - Various counts of wire fraud **Facts of the Case:** The government argued that Liew conspired with others to steal trade secrets from DuPont and subsequently used that information to establish a competing business in China. Liew allegedly engaged in deceptive practices to acquire internal documents and technical data regarding DuPont's manufacturing processes. His actions were reportedly aimed at producing titanium dioxide in a manner that would circumvent DuPont's proprietary methods. Law enforcement investigated Liew after DuPont reported a suspicious interaction with him. Subsequently, electronic communications and documents linked Liew to the theft and sale of trade secrets. **Defense Arguments:** Liew’s defense contended that he did not engage in any illegal activities and that his actions were driven by legitimate business interests. The defense argued that the information obtained was either publicly available or not protected as trade secrets. **Court Proceedings:** The trial involved extensive presentations of evidence, including witness testimonies from former DuPont employees, technical experts on trade secret law, and Liew's associates. The prosecution emphasized the deliberate and calculated nature of Liew's actions, while the defense sought to undermine the credibility of the evidence presented. **Outcome:** [Insert verdict, sentencing, or result of the case here, if applicable.] **Significance:** This case underscores the challenges related to trade secret protection in the global economy, particularly in industries with substantial proprietary information. It highlights the legal ramifications of trade secret theft and the importance of safeguarding intellectual property. The case has broader implications for businesses and individuals regarding compliance with trade secret laws and the ethical considerations surrounding competitive business practices. **Conclusion:** United States v. Walter Liew serves as a critical legal precedent concerning trade secret theft, emphasizing the need for rigorous protections of proprietary information in an increasingly interconnected marketplace. The case illustrates the potential consequences of unprotected intellectual property and the legal mechanisms available for corporations to combat such threats. [Note: Please fill in the missing dates, verdicts, or additional details as necessary, as the specifics may change based on actual case developments.]

United States v. Walter Liew


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