Jeanne M. Gills Discusses National Security Concerns for Innovative Technology IP

Foley & Lardner LLP Partner Jeanne M. Gills is quoted in the Automotive News article, “Indictment of former Apple self-driving engineer sends message on national security risk, experts say,” discussing the importance of safeguards for automakers to guard against technology theft as U.S. national security concerns place a greater importance upon artificial intelligence technology.

Gills, commenting on the recent indictment for alleged technology theft of a former Apple software engineer who left to work at Jidu, a Chinese electric vehicle startup, said Apple could initiate a U.S. International Trade Commission proceeding to ban Jidu from importing cars that use technology which infringes on its patents and other trade sanctions.

“Certainly because the FBI was involved, this is something they’re obviously going to watch,” Gills said. “There are sanctions or things that could be done or something via customs to limit the import of vehicles potentially by that company.”