Taiwanese authorities have intensified their investigation into Wei-Jen Lo, a former senior vice president at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), amid allegations that he improperly disclosed confidential information after joining Intel. Prosecutors reportedly executed search warrants on two of Lo’s residences, seizing computers, USB drives, and other storage devices. The legal proceedings fall under Taiwan’s National Security Act, reflecting the seriousness of the case.
TSMC filed a lawsuit in Taiwan’s Intellectual Property and Commercial Court, claiming that Lo might have transferred trade secrets to Intel. The lawsuit emphasizes that Lo had a long tenure at TSMC, contributing to the development of advanced chip nodes, including 5nm, 3nm, and 2nm technologies, before moving to Intel in October. Prosecutors also froze Lo’s assets, including shares and real estate, as part of the investigation.
Intel responded by defending Lo, stressing that it has strict policies preventing the misuse or transfer of any third-party confidential information. The company highlighted Lo’s technical expertise and integrity, noting that the movement of experienced professionals across companies is a normal and healthy part of the semiconductor industry. Analysts note that such cases can have broad implications for intellectual property protection in the global chip sector.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between talent mobility and trade secret protection, particularly in industries where technological leadership is crucial. TSMC and Intel, as key players in the semiconductor market, are now at the center of a legal dispute that could set precedents for employee transitions in high-tech sectors.
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