Taiwan Files New Indictments Against Tokyo Electron Unit over TSMC Trade Secret Theft
Taiwanese prosecutors have filed additional indictments against the Taiwan branch of Japanese chip equipment manufacturer Tokyo Electron and three other defendants in a case involving the alleged theft of trade secrets from leading chipmaker TSMC.
Expanded Charges Follow Earlier Indictment
The latest development builds on charges filed last month, when prosecutors accused Tokyo Electron’s Taiwan subsidiary of breaching the National Security Act and the Trade Secrets Act. The investigation stems from allegations that a former employee unlawfully obtained confidential information from TSMC, the world’s largest contract chip producer.
Prosecutors said on Monday that the new indictments target both the company’s Taiwan unit and three individual defendants linked to the case. If found guilty, Tokyo Electron’s Taiwan branch could face fines of up to T$120 million (US$3.8 million).
Company Maintains No Impact on Finances
Tokyo Electron, one of the world’s top suppliers of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, has stated that its parent entity in Japan has not been indicted. The company added that the case has no material impact on its financial performance.
The investigation underscores Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen protection of its semiconductor technology, regarded as a core national asset. Authorities have increasingly tightened laws against intellectual property theft, particularly in cases that could benefit foreign competitors.
The case highlights growing concerns over safeguarding proprietary chip technologies amid global competition for advanced semiconductor capabilities.
with inputs from Reuters
