TERRELL, Texas – Dr. Mattias Tezock of Terrell, Texas, surrendered to federal authorities on June 9, 2014, following a federal indictment for four counts of unauthorized possession of stolen trade secrets. Tezock made an initial appearance in federal court the same day and was released on bond.
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Tezock, a Ph.D. Chemical engineer, allegedly used trade secrets learned during his employment at New Jersey-based Voltaix – a multinational corporation which manufactures specialty chemicals for use in the solar energy and semiconductor industry – to later open Terrell-based Metaloid Precursors, Inc.
More specifically, the indictment states Voltaix developed a “secret and confidential recipe that it uses to manufacture high-purity germane.” A recipe Tezock allegedly used to operate Metaloid Precursors, Inc. from September 30, 2005 until at least March 17, 2011, “to manufacture, produce, purify and sell the specialty gas, germane.”
During his employment at Voltaix, Tezock primarily worked on the pre-commissioning of Voltaix’s germane processing and manufacturing plant. Tezock also signed and agreed to an “Employment and Non-Compete Agreement” and an “Employee Confidentiality Acknowledgement Form” when he joined Voltaix. Tezock's employment at Voltaix was terminated on September 30, 2005.
According to the indictment, from September 30, 2005 until at least March 17, 2011, Tezock unlawfully possessed confidential, proprietary and trade secret information from Voltaix, and he attempted to convert, and did convert, that information for his economic benefit by developing, manufacturing, marketing and selling the germane.
After his termination from Voltaix, Tezock almost immediately began taking steps to misappropriate Voltaix’s confidential, proprietary and trade secret recipes and process for manufacturing and purifying high-purity germane gas (GeH4), a hazardous chemical, by creating a competing business entity and attempting to steal business from Voltaix by actively soliciting at least one of Voltaix’s customers.
Tezock attempted to hide his possession of the trade secret by deleting files and manipulating computer evidence. During civil litigation, Tezock also provided false testimony under oath in a deposition.
If convicted, each count of theft of trade secrets carries a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The indictment also includes a forfeiture allegation that would require Tezock, if convicted, to forfeit to the government all proceeds traceable to the offense. Restitution could also be ordered.
The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Nicholas Bunch and Paul Yanowitch are prosecuting.
More specifically, the indictment states Voltaix developed a “secret and confidential recipe that it uses to manufacture high-purity germane.” A recipe Tezock allegedly used to operate Metaloid Precursors, Inc. from September 30, 2005 until at least March 17, 2011, “to manufacture, produce, purify and sell the specialty gas, germane.”
During his employment at Voltaix, Tezock primarily worked on the pre-commissioning of Voltaix’s germane processing and manufacturing plant. Tezock also signed and agreed to an “Employment and Non-Compete Agreement” and an “Employee Confidentiality Acknowledgement Form” when he joined Voltaix. Tezock's employment at Voltaix was terminated on September 30, 2005.
According to the indictment, from September 30, 2005 until at least March 17, 2011, Tezock unlawfully possessed confidential, proprietary and trade secret information from Voltaix, and he attempted to convert, and did convert, that information for his economic benefit by developing, manufacturing, marketing and selling the germane.
After his termination from Voltaix, Tezock almost immediately began taking steps to misappropriate Voltaix’s confidential, proprietary and trade secret recipes and process for manufacturing and purifying high-purity germane gas (GeH4), a hazardous chemical, by creating a competing business entity and attempting to steal business from Voltaix by actively soliciting at least one of Voltaix’s customers.
Tezock attempted to hide his possession of the trade secret by deleting files and manipulating computer evidence. During civil litigation, Tezock also provided false testimony under oath in a deposition.
If convicted, each count of theft of trade secrets carries a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The indictment also includes a forfeiture allegation that would require Tezock, if convicted, to forfeit to the government all proceeds traceable to the offense. Restitution could also be ordered.
The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Nicholas Bunch and Paul Yanowitch are prosecuting.