Trade Secrets and Economic Espionage – Legal Risks in Advancing Technology between the United States and China” in Palo Alto

On January 28, the Committee of 100 collaborated with the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA), to present an educational seminar on the legal risks of advancing technology between the U.S. and China.

Held at the Sheraton in Palo Alto, the event was attended by nearly 200 STEM professionals, C-100 members and special guests. Dr. Albert Wang, APAPA National Issues Committee Chair, and Frank H. Wu, C-100 Issues Committee Chair, delivered welcoming remarks and discussed the pursuit of equal rights and the importance of being informed about the risks that face Chinese Americans in science, math, engineering and technology professions. Following their introduction, C-100 members Brian Sun, criminal defense lawyer and Partner at Jones Day, and George Koo led the seminar with an in-depth discussion of the complex U.S. legal environment. The two provided some insight into the historical context and geo-political background of the rising incidence of economic espionage charges raised specifically against Chinese Americans.

Special guest Sherry Chen, a federal hydrologist falsely accused of economic espionage in 2014, was then invited on-stage to share her story. The forum was concluded with a dynamic question and answer session with the audience.

If you were unable to attend this event and are interested in learning more about the risks faced by Chinese Americans working in STEM professions, please download and share this C-100 educational flyer.

As an organization committed to the full inclusion and equal protection of Chinese Americans in the United States, the Committee of 100 has been conducting educational workshops throughout the country since 2012 for Asian Americans in the scientific community on the risks and requirements of U.S. laws on trade secrets, espionage, and export controls. This public service is provided in order to prevent Asian American scientists and government employees from being accused of wrongdoing due to insufficient knowledge of the risks and sensitivities involved in their fields.

**UPDATE: May 15, 2016 – This event was filmed by CBS News, and footage of the seminar aired on Sunday May 15 as part of a segment on “60 Minutes” titled Collateral Damage (click for video)**