TSMC Sues Former Executive Over Trade Secret Concerns
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has filed a lawsuit against former Senior Vice President Wei-Jen Lo, alleging potential trade secret violations following his move to Intel.
Legal Action Details
TSMC filed the lawsuit in Taiwan’s Intellectual Property and Commercial Court, citing Lo’s employment contract, non-compete agreement, and the Trade Secrets Act as legal basis.
“There is a high probability that Lo uses, leaks, discloses or transfers TSMC’s trade secrets and confidential information to Intel, thus making legal actions necessary,” TSMC stated.
Government Response and Investigation
Taiwan’s economy ministry expressed respect for TSMC’s legal action and committed to monitoring industry impact. The ministry will cooperate to determine if the case involves infringement of core technologies or violations of Taiwan’s National Security Act.
Authorities had already been investigating Lo after media reports suggested he might have taken TSMC’s advanced technology data to his new employer.
Executive Background
Wei-Jen Lo played a crucial role in TSMC’s mass production of cutting-edge 5nm, 3nm, and 2nm chips before retiring after 21 years with the company. He joined Intel in October and reportedly reports directly to Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan.
Before his tenure at TSMC starting in 2004, Lo had previously worked at Intel for 18 years, serving as technology development director and managing Intel’s Santa Clara development facility.
Neither Intel nor Lo has responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.
