Three jailed over iPad 2 leaks

Apple has always guarded new and developing products extremely closely and rumors that workers have to hide the finished product under black covers while they work on them are not uncommon. Despite the drastic measures Apple will go to keep new products a secret until they launch, it's still surprising to hear three people have been jailed for leaking information regarding the iPad 2's design.

PCWorld reports that the Shenzhen Baoan People's Court this month ruled the three had collaborated to steal trade secrets from iPad manufacturer Foxconn. Xiao Chengsong, the head of a Chinese electronics company, is said to have contacted Hou Pengna, a former Foxconn staffer, about obtaining information on the iPad 2 design last summer. Hou in turn funneled 20,000 yuan ($3,090) to Lin Kecheng, a section chief with Foxconn's R&D group who passed on details of the iPad 2's casing. The information was used to manufacturer cases and covers compatible with the iPad 2.

Xiao was sentenced to 18 months and fined 150,000 yuan, while Lin was sentenced to 14 months and fined 100,000 yuan. Hou received the lightest sentence with 12 months in prison and a fine of 30,000 yuan.
source: 2DayBlog.com

Related Post: