The parties settled for $50,000 prior to trial. The settlement did not include an admission of guilt, as Zhang still maintains he did nothing wrong.
Plaintiff's counsel reported that all of the settlement proceeds were donated to charity.
Synder, Inc. sued Zhang, claiming he had misappropriated trade secrets. Synder alleged that Zhang gave the tapes and other documents containing trade secrets to a Chinese company, and that company got enough information from this transaction to attempt to replicate Synder's manufacturing facility.
Zhang denied providing the Chinese company with Synder's trade secrets. He maintained that he did nothing wrong.
Superior Court, Solano County, California.
Synder, Inc. v. Yong "Jake" Zhang
No. FCS027149
DATE OF VERDICT/SETTLEMENT: October 15, 2007
TOPIC: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY - MISAPPROPRIATION OF TRADE SECRETS
Company Fired Employee for Disclosing Trade Secrets
SUMMARY:
RESULT: Settlement
The parties settled for $50,000 prior to trial. The settlement did not include an admission of guilt, as Zhang still maintains he did nothing wrong.
Plaintiff's counsel reported that all of the settlement proceeds were donated to charity.
EXPERT WITNESSES:
ATTORNEYS:
Plaintiff: Randal M. Barnum ; Law Offices of Randal M. Barnum; Benicia, CA (Synder, Inc.)
Defendant: Amber Vierling; Law Offices of Amber Vierling; Fairfield, CA (Yong "Jake" Zhang)
JUDGE: Scott L. Kays
RANGE AMOUNT: $50,000-99,999
STATE: California
COUNTY: Solano
INJURIES: Synder sought damages for the misappropriation of its trade secrets, punitive damages and attorney's fees.
