Focus on Economic Espionage

fbi.gov, Oct 14, 2005

Economic Espionage is  whoever knowingly performs targeting or acquisition of trade secrets to  knowingly benefit any foreign government, foreign instrumentality, or foreign agent. Title18 U.S.C., Section 1831.

Trade secrets are all forms and types of financial, business, scientific, technical, economic or engineering information, including patterns, plans, compilations, program devices, formulas, designs, prototypes, methods, techniques, processes, procedures, programs, or codes whether tangible or intangible, and whether or how stored, compiled, or memorialized physically, electronically, graphically, photographically or in writing, which the owner has taken reasonable measures to protect; and has an independent economic value.  "Trade secrets" are commonly called classified proprietary information, economic policy information, trade information, proprietary technology, or critical technology.

Theft of trade secrets occurs when someone  knowingly performs targeting or acquisition of trade secrets or intends to convert a trade secret to  knowingly benefit anyone other than the owner. Commonly referred to as Industrial Espionage. Title 18 U.S.C., SECTION 1832