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Taiwan prosecutors have conducted raids at the homes of former TSMC Senior Executive Wei-Jen Lo after the chipmaker accused him of leaking trade secrets, a claim denied by his current employer, Intel. Investigators seized computers, USB drives, and other potential evidence, while a court approved the seizure of Lo's shares and real estate. Lo, who recently joined Intel after a 21-year tenure at TSMC, played a key role in advancing TSMC's 5nm, 3nm, and 2nm chip production. Intel emphasized strict confidentiality policies and denied any wrongdoing by Lo.
Taiwan prosecutors have raided the homes of Wei-Jen Lo, a former Senior Vice President at TSMC, following allegations that he leaked trade secrets. Authorities seized computers, USB drives, and other materials as part of their investigation. The move came after TSMC filed a lawsuit in the Intellectual Property and Commercial Court against Lo, citing concerns that he may have transferred sensitive information to Intel, his current employer. The prosecutors stated that Lo is suspected of violating Taiwan's National Security Act. Advertisement
The investigation included two separate raids on Lo's residences, carried out under a court-issued search warrant. Additionally, a petition to seize Lo's shares and real estate was approved. These actions reflect the seriousness of TSMC's claims, which center on the protection of proprietary technology and competitive intellectual property.
Intel, Lo's current employer, has denied any involvement in the alleged leak. The company emphasized that it enforces strict policies prohibiting the use or transfer of third-party confidential information. Intel highlighted Lo's reputation in the semiconductor industry for leadership, integrity, and technical expertise, and described talent movement between firms as a common and healthy practice.
Lo joined Intel in October after retiring from TSMC, where he spent 21 years contributing to the company's development of advanced 5-nanometre, 3-nm, and 2-nm chip production. Prior to his time at TSMC, Lo had worked at Intel for 18 years. TSMC maintains that there is a high likelihood Lo improperly used or disclosed confidential information, prompting legal action to safeguard its trade secrets.
The case underscores ongoing tensions in the semiconductor sector, where proprietary technology is highly guarded and the movement of key talent between competitors can raise legal and ethical questions. It also highlights Taiwan's active enforcement of intellectual property laws, particularly when national security concerns may be implicated.
Source Reuters
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