Chicago Chemist Charged With Stealing Trade Secrets

David Yen Lee charged with stealing trade secrets from Minneapolis-based paint manufacturer Valspar Corp. and planning to take them to his new job with a foreign rival.

CHICAGO (AP) -- A suburban Chicago chemist is charged with stealing trade secrets from a Minneapolis-based paint manufacturer where he worked and planning to take them to a job with a foreign rival.

David Yen Lee of Arlington Heights was arrested Thursday after FBI agents found trade secrets on a thumb drive in his luggage as he prepared to catch a flight to Shanghai.

Authorities say the 52-year-old quit his job with Minneapolis-based Valspar Corp. and planned to start next week with rival Nippon Paints.

Lee made a brief federal court appearance Friday. His case was continued to April 2. Defense attorney Sergio Rodriguez of the Federal Defender program says he's only temporarily handling the case.

Officials say Valspar is North America's fifth-largest paint manufacturer.

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