Computer-Aided Theft

As more companies develop and manage proprietary information, the crime of theft becomes increasingly digital. In an engaging discussion of the theft of intellectual property Interhack founder C. Matthew Curtin will show how the owner becomes suspicious, how an investigation is undertaken, and how a civil case opens the way to criminal prosecution.

Steps taken in the process, limits of the data, and how to determine the difference between reasonable inference and understanding "with a reasonable degree of scientific certainty" get particular attention in Mr. Curtin's discussion of a hypothetical case with facts drawn from Interhack's Forensic Computing practice.

The discussion will conclude with lessons for attorneys, both in understanding what they need to know to verify their clients' representations, and in how to ensure proper assessment of investigators' work leading up to trial.

About Interhack

Interhack is the computer expert firm, with practice areas in Forensic Computing, Information Assurance, and Electronic Discovery. Based in Columbus, Ohio, and with engagements throughout North America, the firm has been working to understand and to explain data and computer technology for attorneys and juries since 2000. Applications of Interhack's work include white collar crime, possession and distribution of contraband, copyright infringement, trade secret misappropriation, and electronic record analysis and authentication. Interhack is online at web.interhack.com.