Taiwanese prosecutors said on Thursday that investigators had raided the homes of former TSMC executive Wei-Jen Lo after the company accused him of leaking trade secrets to his new employer, Intel. Authorities seized computers, USB drives, and other electronic devices during the search, which followed a lawsuit filed by TSMC earlier in the week.
TSMC Accuses Ex-Executive of Leaking Confidential Information
TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker and a key supplier to companies such as Nvidia, announced on Tuesday that it had taken legal action against Lo in Taiwan’s Intellectual Property and Commercial Court. The company alleged that Lo may have shared or transferred trade secrets after joining Intel. Prosecutors confirmed that Lo is being investigated under Taiwan’s National Security Act, which covers the protection of critical technologies.
According to the statement, investigators searched two of Lo’s homes on Wednesday and collected several items believed to contain sensitive information. A court also approved the seizure of his assets, including shares and property, as part of the ongoing probe.
Intel Denies Allegations, Cites Strict Compliance Policies
Intel firmly rejected TSMC’s claims, saying it had no reason to believe the allegations held merit. In a statement, the US chipmaker said it enforces strict internal policies that prohibit using or sharing any confidential or proprietary information from other companies. The firm added that such commitments are treated seriously and consistently monitored.
Intel noted that Lo, who rejoined the company in October, is highly regarded in the semiconductor industry for his integrity and expertise. The company described employee movement between major chipmakers as a common and healthy practice in the sector.
Lo’s Career and Industry Significance
Wei-Jen Lo played a major role in developing TSMC’s advanced 5-nanometre, 3-nm, and 2-nm chip technologies during his 21-year tenure at the company. Before joining TSMC in 2004, he had worked at Intel for 18 years, giving him deep experience across the chipmaking landscape.
TSMC said it believes there is a strong possibility that Lo used or disclosed its trade secrets after leaving. The case underscores the growing competition and sensitivity surrounding advanced semiconductor technology, which remains central to global innovation and national security concerns.
(with inputs from Reuters)
