Xiaolang Zhang is accused of downloading proprietary files from Apple.
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The former member of Apple's self-driving car team charged with stealing trade secrets has pleaded not guilty in federal court
Xiaolang Zhang entered his plea in San Jose, California, Bloomberg reports.
He was arrested on July 7 as he tried to fly to China and accused of downloading proprietary files from Apple before going to work for Xiaopeng Motors, also known as Xmotors.
He admitted to downloading the files to the FBI, according to prosecutors, who told the judge that he faces a single count of trade-secret theft and could be hit with a 10-year prison sentence and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
Zhang is trying make bail of $300,000 with property, his lawyer said.
Xmotors has said that it found no indication Zhang ever communicated any sensitive information from Apple to them, according to Bloomberg.
