寒武纪42.87亿元劳动纠纷的三重警示

Core Viewpoint - A labor dispute lawsuit involving 4.287 billion yuan has emerged, marking the highest compensation claim in domestic labor disputes, highlighting the conflict between AI chip giant Cambricon and its former CTO Liang Jun [2][9]. Company Summary - Cambricon announced that former Vice President and CTO Liang Jun has filed a lawsuit in Beijing, claiming compensation for stock incentive losses amounting to 4.287 billion yuan, making it the highest labor dispute claim in China [2]. - Liang Jun, a key figure in Cambricon's early development, joined the company in 2017 and played a significant role in launching its first 7nm training chip and establishing a partnership with Huawei [3]. - The relationship between Liang and Cambricon soured in March 2022, leading to his departure, which both parties attribute to different reasons [3][4]. Legal Context - Liang Jun's previous two lawsuits regarding stock buyback issues ended in defeat, primarily due to the terms of the stock incentive plan that stipulated a buyback upon leaving during the lock-up period [6]. - The current lawsuit is framed as a labor dispute, potentially allowing Liang to argue that his stock options should be treated as performance compensation, thus shifting the burden of proof to Cambricon [7][8]. Industry Implications - This case serves as a critical examination of the talent incentive mechanisms commonly used in tech companies, particularly regarding stock options and employee retention strategies [9]. - Experts suggest that the ambiguity in agreements and incentive designs can lead to disputes, emphasizing the need for clear terms regarding employee exits and stock options [10][11]. - The volatility of stock prices in the tech industry necessitates dynamic adjustment mechanisms in incentive plans to mitigate risks associated with employee departures [12]. - Establishing effective internal communication and dispute resolution mechanisms is crucial to prevent conflicts from escalating to litigation [13][14].