TSMC Accuses Former Executive of Trade Secret Breach
Taiwan prosecutors have launched an investigation into Wei-Jen Lo, a former senior executive at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), after the chipmaker accused him of leaking trade secrets to Intel. Lo, who joined Intel in October following his retirement from TSMC, is now under scrutiny for alleged violations of Taiwan’s National Security Act.
TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker and a key supplier to global technology leaders such as Nvidia, confirmed on Tuesday that it had filed a lawsuit against Lo in Taiwan’s Intellectual Property and Commercial Court. The company said there was a “high probability” that Lo had used or disclosed its confidential information after moving to Intel.
Investigators Seize Evidence in Raids
Prosecutors said that investigators executed search warrants at two of Lo’s residences on Wednesday afternoon. During the raids, they seized computers, USB drives, and other electronic devices as potential evidence. Authorities also obtained court approval to freeze Lo’s shares and real estate assets while the investigation continues.
According to the prosecutors’ statement, Lo is suspected of transferring or leaking sensitive information that could impact Taiwan’s strategic semiconductor industry, which is crucial to the global supply chain.
Intel Denies Allegations, Cites Strict Compliance
Intel, which re-employed Lo this year, strongly denied TSMC’s allegations. In a statement, the US chipmaker said: “Based on everything we know, we have no reason to believe there is any merit to the allegations involving Mr Lo.”
The company added that it maintains strict internal policies preventing the misuse of third-party confidential information or intellectual property. “We take these commitments seriously,” Intel stated, calling talent movement across companies a “common and healthy part of the industry.”
Intel described Lo as a respected leader with extensive experience in chip manufacturing. Before joining TSMC in 2004, Lo had already spent 18 years at Intel. During his 21-year tenure at TSMC, he played a pivotal role in developing advanced chip technologies, including 5-nanometre, 3-nm, and 2-nm production processes.
The investigation remains ongoing as Taiwan authorities examine whether any sensitive trade information was transferred to Intel, a major rival in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
with inputs from Reuters
