SI Group, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of chemical intermediates, achieved a significant victory in the intellectual property case filed with the International Trade Commission (ITC) against Sino Legend (Zhangjiagang) Chemical Co., Ltd., Red Avenue Chemical Co. Ltd., and certain affiliates.

Today, Judge Rogers issued a determination in favor of SI Group, confirming that Sino Legend has misappropriated SI Group trade secrets. SI Group fully expects that, based on the determination, the six-member Commission will prohibit Sino Legend and Red Avenue from importing the affected products into the United States.

"Judge Rogers’ conclusion on misappropriation is fair and judicious,” said Stephen Large, Board member. “It confirms what we have known all along. Now, it’s also very clear to our customers and suppliers, and to the industry, that Sino Legend’s business in these products is based on our innovation.”

The ITC complaint, filed on May 21, 2012, came as a result of Sino Legend colluding with, and then hiring away, a plant manager from SI Group’s Shanghai manufacturing plant. Since that time, Sino Legend has been producing rubber resins in competition with SI Group’s proprietary rubber resins.

"This ruling is a real victory for SI Group,” said Tom Masterson, General Counsel. “The thorough process followed by the ITC demonstrates that misappropriation will not be tolerated in the United States. By way of comparison, the failure to reach a similar conclusion in a China-based lawsuit against Sino Legend based on the same events is a testament to the importance of ensuring that all of the facts are on the table when resolving these claims.” SI Group remains committed to protecting its intellectual property and trade secrets in China and around the world.