Insight From DOJ on Corruption and Corporate Espionage

AGENDA
9:30 a.m.
Registration

9:55 a.m.
Welcome/Introductions

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Theft of Trade Secrets
Shimeall and Minkler will discuss the benefits of cooperation between law enforcement and corporate counsel in the investigation and prosecution of economic espionage. Discovery issues that are unique to these cases to assist corporate counsel in issue spotting.  We will discuss the breadth of the threat of IP theft facing companies in the United States today; the benefits of cooperation in holding defendants’ responsible, both criminally and civilly; and strategies for preventing IP theft on the front end, including taking reasonable measures to protect against the theft of IP. Minkler will present the case study of US vs. Kexue Huang, involving Indiana’s first prosecution of theft of trade secrets. Shimeall will present the case study of US vs Li Chen and Yu Zhou, involving the prosecution of theft of medical trade secrets from Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
“Dark Money” - Navigating Through the Legal Issues of 501(c)(4)s and Political Donations
In the ever-evolving world of political financing and the priorities of DOJ, it is important to have an understanding of the consequences of political donations on business. DeVillers will discuss the good the bad and the illegal of 501(c)(4)s and how they impact federal corruption cases, including how donations to these groups can be exploited for illegal purposes. We will also discuss when political donations cross the line into bribery and the implications of perceived, explicit and implicit, quid pro qua agreements.

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch/Networking