Steal iPad Secrets in China and Go Directly to Jail, Do Not Pass Go

A true entrepreneur always has their eyes and ears open – because they’re waiting for the next big thing (and an edge up on the competition). Historically, in the tech industry, this has been somewhat of a grey area, with occasional bouts of corporate espionage or double-crossing flaring up here and there (I’m looking at you, Bill Gates).

Sony, one of the world’s most prolific electronic manufacturers, has garnished itself a shameful rep as a tech secret stealer, but its not alone. Google and Microsoft have also had claims thrown at them. I guess it’s not easy being at the top.

And now it’s Foxconn’s turn. Sort of. Foxconn is one of the companies responsible for manufacturing Apple’s hottest devices – such as the iPad. And as such, they’re privy to the devices inner workings before almost anyone else.

So when a former employee was bribed to reveal the design of the iPad 2, before its public release, it caused a bit of a stir among the Chinese government. Xiao Chengsong, Lin Kecheng, and Hou Pengna, were all involved with a scheme to gather detailed information about the iPad for varying purposes.

Xiao, owner of Shenzhen MacTop Electronics Co., paid Lin and Hou to gather images and schematics so that he could craft accessories and cases prior to the iPad’s official release date.

The three perpetrators were caught, and each was sentenced to varying fines and jail times.

Foxconn’s officials weighed in on the snafu, which is the company’s second publicized blunder in as many weeks. In a statement, the company’s representatives said, “We cannot comment on matters of internal security, but Foxconn takes its commitment to protecting its intellectual property as well as that of its customers very seriously and undertakes all appropriate actions to safeguard against any violations."

Officials from Apple were unavailable for comment.

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