Hanwha fined for taking tech from subcontractor
Hanwha Corporation was fined for taking technology from its subcontractor to develop screen printers used for solar panels, the country’s antitrust agency said Monday.
The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) imposed a 382 million won ($318,517) fine on the company and referred three of its employees to prosecutors for further investigation of unfair business practices.
Hanwha became the first company to be punished for stealing technical data from a subcontractor and using the data to develop its own device.
According to the FTC, Hanwha had signed an agreement in March 2011 with a subcontractor to receive screen printers, which are used in the process of making solar cells.
In July 2011, the company made an additional deal that allowed the subcontractor to “manufacture, install and commission” screen printers to Hanwha SolarOne, Hanwha Group’s China-based solar panel maker.
Between November 2011 and September 2014 the subcontractor provided drawings of a printer manual, a printer parts list, a layout drawing, and a printer layout CAD file upon Hanwha’s request.
They also submitted detailed information of screen printers, including the printer layout, and they provided technical support for design changes, function improvements, and testing until the contract was terminated in November 2015.
However, Hanwha used this technical data to develop its own screen printers in July 2015, even before ending its contract. It later shipped devices to Hanwha Q Cells Malaysia.
“In an email written to Hanwha Q Cells Malaysia, Hanwha Corp. mentioned that their screen printer carries a wafer from the pre-alignment zone to a print nest with a high resolution camera and linear motor driven system,” an FTC official said.
“This information clearly shows that Hanwha copied technology from its subcontractor.”
The commission noted that technology theft is “the most severe unlawful act” that can weaken the competitive power of the nation’s industry.
“This shows the position of subcontractors when they do business with conglomerates,” the official said. “Conglomerates should pay a fair price and purchase technology from subcontractors instead of taking advantage of them.”
Hanwha denied stealing the technology from its subcontractor, according to the commission. The company reportedly submitted over 2,000 pages of expert advisory reports to counter the claim.