The U.S. Justice Department in November announced an indictment against state-owned Fujian Jinhua and Taiwan-based United Microelectronics (UMC), alleging they stole intellectual property from US-based Micron Technology.

In October, US authorities added the Chinese firm to a list of entities that cannot buy components, software or technology goods from US firms.

In November, Chinese officials said at a World Trade Organisation (WTO) meeting in Geneva that the US decision to cut off the firm from US suppliers broke WTO trade rules and was aimed at protecting a US monopoly.

Fujian Jinhua said in a statement posted on its official microblog account that it would work towards getting itself removed from the US export control entity list and had hired lobbyists and legal advisors to help with its case.

The case has thrown a shadow over Fujian Jinhua’s semiconductor ambitions and Chinese government’s plan to cut a heavy reliance on US imports.

The firm had billed itself as a national leader in the tech industry.

The indictment was originally filed under seal in September by the US district court of the Northern District of California.

UMC previously said the case mirrored a similar complaint filed against it, and that it regretted the latest charges had been brought before being given a chance to discuss the matter.