© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Lansing Chemist Convicted For Stealing Trade Secrets

gavel
bestlawdir
/
Public Domain

A Lansing chemist has been found guilty of conspiracy to steal trade secrets, economic espionage, and wire fraud.

59-year-old Dr. Xiaorong You was convicted by a federal jury in Greenville, Tennessee after a 12-day trial. The U.S. Department of Justice says You had stolen valuable trade secrets related to bisphenol-A-free (BPA-free) coatings for the inside of beverage cans. Beverage companies are looking for BPA-free alternatives to avoid potential health risks.

You worked for both Coca-Cola and Eastman Chemical Company at the time.

Those secrets belonged to several companies, including Michigan-based Dow Chemical, and cost $120-million dollars to develop.

Court documents indicate that You planned to use the secrets to set up a new company in China. The Chinese government gave You and a partner millions of dollars to support the effort.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 1st.

Scott Pohl is a general assignment news reporter and produces news features and interviews. He is also an alternate local host on NPR's "Morning Edition."
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!