XIAOMI(HK:01810) 21世纪经济报道·2025-08-02 17:49Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the legal consequences faced by former Huawei employees for stealing trade secrets and the implications for the chip industry, particularly focusing on the case involving Zunpai Technology and its rapid rise in the market [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Case and Consequences - On July 28, the Shanghai Third Intermediate People's Court sentenced 14 former Huawei employees for infringing on Huawei's trade secrets, with the principal offender receiving a 6-year prison term and a total fine of 135 million yuan [1]. - The investigation revealed that in February 2021, former Huawei executives established a tech company to lure former colleagues with high salaries and equity, leading to the illegal acquisition of Huawei's chip technology [1]. - The infringement involved 40 technical points that were over 90% identical to Huawei's trade secrets, indicating substantial similarity [1]. Group 2: Zunpai Technology's Background and Funding - Zunpai Technology, founded by Zhang Kun, a former Huawei employee, aimed to develop "domestic Wi-Fi 6/7 chips" and quickly attracted many former Huawei staff [1][2]. - Within a year of its establishment, Zunpai Technology raised over 300 million yuan in funding, including a significant Pre-A round led by notable investors such as Xiaomi Group and various venture capital firms [2]. - Xiaomi clarified its involvement, stating it participated in Zunpai's financing as a normal financial investment and does not engage in the company's management or operations [2][3].