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A startling workplace dispute has captured the attention of the tech world, centering on an intern, a valuable GPU, and a company’s controversial demand. What began as an all-expenses-paid business trip to an Nvidia roadshow culminated in an intern’s resignation after his employer insisted he hand over an RTX 5060 graphics card he won in a lucky draw. This incident sparks a crucial debate about employee rights, company policies, and the ownership of unexpected prizes won while on official business.
The Unexpected Win at Nvidia Roadshow
The drama unfolded when a Shanghai-based intern attended an Nvidia event in Suzhou on November 14th. The purpose of his all-expenses-paid business trip was to participate in an official Nvidia roadshow. During the event, a promotional stamp-collecting raffle was held for attendees. Participating purely by chance, the intern unexpectedly claimed the grand prize: a brand-new RTX 5060, a mid-range GPU valued at approximately 3,000 yuan (about $422 USD).
The Company’s Demand and Intern’s Refusal
However, the excitement was short-lived. That same evening, the intern was reportedly contacted by a colleague who claimed the company’s finance department had learned of his win. Citing the firm’s sponsorship of the entire business trip, the colleague relayed a demand for the intern to surrender the high-value graphics card. Initial reports suggested the finance department was unaware of the win, leading to speculation of jealousy from the co-worker.
Despite the initial ambiguity, the company soon became officially aware of the prize – likely through the same “bitter co-worker” – and escalated its efforts. Senior management reportedly held multiple interviews with the intern, consistently pressuring him to relinquish the RTX 5060. Their central argument: since the company funded his attendance at the Nvidia event, the prize should legally be considered company property. Yet, the intern steadfastly refused to comply with the demands.
Resignation and Legal Perspectives
The constant pressure created an untenable situation. While not explicitly fired, the Human Resources department allegedly “suggested” the intern “look for other companies.” Faced with this implicit ultimatum, the intern submitted his resignation on November 19th.
Legal experts analyzing the case suggest that the ownership of such a prize typically hinges on whether it was obtained through pure luck or as a direct result of performing official duties. Unless the company had clear, pre-established policies regarding staff participation in competitions during business trips, its legal claim to the GPU might be tenuous. Such policies would need to explicitly state that any prizes won under these circumstances become company property.
A Lesson in Workplace Ethics
While a $400 graphics card might seem like a small sum to trigger such a dramatic exit, this incident highlights a larger issue of workplace ethics and corporate pettiness. For an intern, whose professional journey is just beginning, this experience likely provided a stark lesson in company culture and the importance of advocating for oneself. It underscores the notion that sometimes, walking away from a toxic environment, even for a relatively modest prize, can be the better career move. Moreover, the intern retains his coveted RTX 5060, a popular GPU noted for its strong user-share growth in recent Steam surveys.
This contentious episode leaves many wondering: Who was in the right? Was the company justified in demanding the prize, or did the intern have every right to keep his lucky win?