Judgment Obtained in Heraeus Trade Secrets Case

Photovoltaic materials supplier Heraeus has won a $500,000 claim against a former employee it accused of stealing company secrets.

The Heraeus Precious Metals North America PV business unit alleged that former Heraeus Materials Technology LLC senior scientist Tung Pham had taken highly sensitive trade secrets and altered or removed without permission data relating to the development of a commercially viable lead-free metallization paste.

The company found evidence of Pham’s alleged deeds shortly after his resignation from the company in April 2011 and took immediate action by notifying the FBI and US Attorney’s office.

As part of the settlement, Pham admitted he improperly downloaded hundreds of trade secrets and confidential information from Heraeus’ computers immediately before his resignation.

The company said it will continue to be vigilant in protecting its intellectual property.

For more information, visit: www.heraeus.com