Taiwanese authorities have launched a significant investigation into Lo Wei-Jen, a former senior executive of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), on suspicion of leaking valuable trade secrets to rival chipmaker Intel. This probe follows a lawsuit initiated by TSMC, the world's leading contract chipmaker, against its former senior vice-president.
Investigation Underway: Raids and Seizures
Prosecutors in Taiwan officially confirmed on November 27 that investigators, acting on search warrants, raided two of Mr. Lo's residences the previous day. During these searches, critical electronic devices, including computers and USB drives, along with other potential evidence, were seized. Furthermore, a court has approved a petition to seize Mr. Lo's shares and real estate, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations. Mr. Lo is suspected of violating Taiwan’s National Security Act, a statute designed to protect national economic interests against espionage.
TSMC's Allegations and Legal Action
TSMC, a vital supplier for global tech giants like Nvidia, filed its lawsuit on November 25 in Taiwan’s Intellectual Property and Commercial Court. The company articulated a "high probability" that Mr. Lo might leverage, leak, disclose, or transfer TSMC's highly confidential information and trade secrets to Intel, thereby necessitating immediate legal intervention to protect its proprietary technology.
Intel's Firm Denial
Intel, Mr. Lo's current employer and a major player in the global semiconductor market, has unequivocally denied the accusations. In an emailed statement issued on November 27, the US chipmaker declared, "Based on everything we know, we have no reason to believe there is any merit to the allegations involving Mr. Lo." Intel further emphasized its stringent internal policies and controls, which strictly prohibit the use or transfer of any third-party confidential information or intellectual property, underscoring its commitment to these ethical and legal standards.
Mr. Lo's Distinguished Career
Mr. Lo Wei-Jen rejoined Intel in October, following his retirement from TSMC after a remarkable 21-year career. Before his extensive tenure at TSMC, which commenced in 2004, Mr. Lo had previously worked at Intel for 18 years. He is widely respected throughout the semiconductor industry for his integrity, leadership, and technical expertise, having been instrumental in driving TSMC's mass production of cutting-edge 5-nanometre, 3nm, and 2nm chips. Intel maintains that the movement of talent across companies is a normal and healthy aspect of the industry.
This high-profile investigation underscores the intense competitive landscape and the paramount importance of intellectual property in the global semiconductor sector, as two industry titans find themselves at odds over alleged espionage.