Former Employee Charged with Unfair Competition Law Violation at HIROTSU Bioscience
On February 5, 2026, a former employee of HIROTSU Bioscience, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, was indicted by the Chiba Prefectural Police for allegedly violating laws related to unfair competition. The incident revolves around the acquisition and unauthorized disclosure of confidential company information that the employee was privy to during their employment.
The person in question was part of the research department at HIROTSU Bioscience and is suspected of improperly obtaining, modifying, and leaking sensitive information from the company while employed. Following an internal investigation, which included the consultation of external legal experts, the company decided to file a complaint against the former employee with law enforcement authorities.
As a result of this complaint, the relevant investigative bodies conducted searches and executed seizures as part of their investigation, leading to the recent indictment.
Before the indictment, the former employee had already conceded some facts during a civil lawsuit where they acknowledged taking confidential information from the company and leaking it to third parties. This admission has complicated the case further, highlighting the breach of trust associated with handling proprietary company data.
Some media reports inaccurately implied that the leaked AI technology had a direct connection to the products HIROTSU Bioscience has already commercialized. However, it is essential to clarify that some of the confidential information the former employee took does not specifically pertain to the already developed products but instead involves preliminary and conceptual information under evaluation.
For research and development-oriented ventures like HIROTSU Bioscience, intellectual property is a valuable asset critical to the company’s competitiveness and growth. The seriousness of the case is underscored by the fact that the former employee's actions have led to both legal repercussions and potential harm to the company's reputation.
HIROTSU Bioscience is committed to persistently conducting necessary internal investigations. In light of the incident and with a firm stance on compliance with legal regulations, the company will take appropriate actions against any violations. Additionally, efforts will be strengthened regarding the management of confidential information and the enhancement of compliance frameworks to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
Background of the Incident
The person in question was part of the research department at HIROTSU Bioscience and is suspected of improperly obtaining, modifying, and leaking sensitive information from the company while employed. Following an internal investigation, which included the consultation of external legal experts, the company decided to file a complaint against the former employee with law enforcement authorities.
As a result of this complaint, the relevant investigative bodies conducted searches and executed seizures as part of their investigation, leading to the recent indictment.
Admission of Wrongdoing
Before the indictment, the former employee had already conceded some facts during a civil lawsuit where they acknowledged taking confidential information from the company and leaking it to third parties. This admission has complicated the case further, highlighting the breach of trust associated with handling proprietary company data.
Clarification on Misinformation
Some media reports inaccurately implied that the leaked AI technology had a direct connection to the products HIROTSU Bioscience has already commercialized. However, it is essential to clarify that some of the confidential information the former employee took does not specifically pertain to the already developed products but instead involves preliminary and conceptual information under evaluation.
The Importance of Intellectual Property
For research and development-oriented ventures like HIROTSU Bioscience, intellectual property is a valuable asset critical to the company’s competitiveness and growth. The seriousness of the case is underscored by the fact that the former employee's actions have led to both legal repercussions and potential harm to the company's reputation.
Future Actions
HIROTSU Bioscience is committed to persistently conducting necessary internal investigations. In light of the incident and with a firm stance on compliance with legal regulations, the company will take appropriate actions against any violations. Additionally, efforts will be strengthened regarding the management of confidential information and the enhancement of compliance frameworks to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
Company Overview
- - Name: HIROTSU Bioscience
- - Location: 22nd Floor, New Otani Garden Court, 4-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda, Tokyo
- - CEO: Takasuke Hirotsu
- - Established: August 2016
- - Main Business: Research, development, and sales of cancer testing utilizing nematodes and nematode olfactory sensors.
- - Corporate Website: HIROTSU Bioscience
Topics Business Technology）
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