Woburn, Massachusetts, and Avago Technlogies,
a San Jose, California, company later acquired by
chipmaker Broadcom.
The pilfered technology is used to help filter out
unwanted signals to smartphones.
The conviction is part of efforts to crack down
on China’s alleged theft of patented technology
created in the U.S, a problem underlying the
costly trade war between the two countries
in recent years. China’s government has
consistently denied its involved in any effort to
steal U.S. technology.
The verdict “is an important step in holding
accountable an individual who robbed his
U.S. employer of trade secrets and sought to
replicate the company’s technology and replace
its market share,” said John Demers, the Justice
Department’s assistant attorney general for
national security.
Zhang’s attorney, Daniel Olmos, declined
to comment on the verdict. Zhang faces a
maximum prison sentence of 10 to 15 years and
fines of up to $250,000 for each of the three
felony convictions.
The sentencing is scheduled Aug. 31.