Samsung Electronics headquarters. (Photo courtesy of Samsung Electronics)

 

 

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] A former Samsung Electronics researcher has received a suspended prison sentence for leaking semiconductor cleaning process trade secrets to a former colleague.



According to legal sources on July 14, Judge Kang Young-seon of the Suwon District Court sentenced the defendant, Mr. A, to six months in prison with a two-year suspension, along with 80 hours of community service, for violating the Act on the Prevention of Divulgence and Protection of Industrial Technology.



Mr. A was found to have disclosed confidential information related to Samsung's semiconductor cleaning process, including particle control and chemical solution techniques, to Mr. B, a former colleague who had moved to a competing firm. The offenses occurred in September 2019 and July 2020, while Mr. A was still employed at Samsung Electronics.



Judge Kang stated, "The information leaked by the defendant was acquired by the victim company through significant time and investment, and its disclosure must be taken seriously to prevent social harm." He further noted, “The defendant has not been forgiven by the company and does not appear to be remorseful.”



However, the court also considered mitigating factors, including the limited scope of the information leaked and the absence of evidence suggesting the defendant received any financial compensation for the act.

 

 

 

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