Intel denies TSMC trade-secret allegations against returning official

• TSMC alleged “a high probability that Lo uses, leaks, discloses or transfers TSMC’s trade secrets and confidential information to Intel,” saying legal action was necessary.
• Taiwan’s economy ministry says will cooperate to determine whether the case involves infringement of core technologies or violations of the National Security Act.

Intel rejected allegations from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) that executive Wei-Jen Lo, a former senior vice president at the Taiwanese chipmaker, leaked trade secrets after joining Intel in October.

“Based on everything we know, we have no reason to believe there is any merit to the allegations involving Mr. Lo,” Intel said in an emailed statement, adding that it maintains “rigorous policies and controls” prohibiting the use or transfer of third-party confidential information or intellectual property.

Intel said it has welcomed Lo back and described him as widely respected for “integrity, leadership and technical expertise,” noting that talent movement across companies is “a common and healthy part of our industry.”

Effort to regain process leadership

TSMC said Tuesday it filed a lawsuit in Taiwan’s Intellectual Property and Commercial Court against Lo, who retired from TSMC after a 21-year tenure during which he helped drive mass production of cutting-edge 5-nanometre, 3-nm, and 2-nm chips. Lo previously worked at Intel for 18 years before joining TSMC in 2004.

In its statement, TSMC alleged “a high probability that Lo uses, leaks, discloses or transfers TSMC’s trade secrets and confidential information to Intel,” saying legal action was necessary. Taiwan’s economy ministry said it will cooperate to determine whether the case involves infringement of core technologies or violations of the National Security Act.

The legal dispute comes amid intensifying competition in advanced process nodes, with global chipmakers jockeying for leadership in 2-nm and below technologies. Intel’s recruitment of veteran foundry talent, including Lo, is central to its effort to regain process leadership and scale its contract manufacturing business, while TSMC seeks to protect its IP and market dominance.