TSMC Sues Former Executive for Allegedly Leaking Trade Secrets to Intel

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) shares fell sharply by 4.66% on November 25, closing at 187.64 Taiwan dollars amid reports the chipmaker is suing a former senior executive for allegedly leaking trade secrets to competitor Intel.

TSMC confirmed it has filed a lawsuit against former senior vice president Lo Wei-Jen, citing a “high probability” he disclosed confidential information to his new employer Intel. The legal action comes just months after Lo retired from TSMC in July 2025 and joined Intel as executive vice president in October.

The Lawsuit Details

TSMC has lodged the case with Taiwan’s Intellectual Property and Commercial Court, citing violations of employment contracts, non-compete agreements, and the Trade Secrets Act.

“There is a high probability that Lo uses, leaks, discloses, delivers, or transfers TSMC’s trade secrets and confidential information to Intel,” the company stated in its legal filing.

Court documents reveal that despite being transferred to TSMC’s Corporate Strategy Department in March 2024, Lo allegedly continued meeting with Research and Development staff to gather information about advanced technologies under development.

The company also claims Lo misled them during his exit interview, stating he planned to join an “academic institution” rather than a direct competitor.

Government Response and Industry Impact

Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has acknowledged the situation, stating it will “closely monitor any impact on the industry” and collaborate with prosecutors to determine if the case involves violations of the National Security Act.

Taiwan’s economy minister confirmed last week that authorities are investigating Lo following local media reports suggesting he may have taken TSMC’s advanced technology data to his new employer.

When questioned about the allegations, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan dismissed the claims, asserting that Intel respects intellectual property rights. Both Intel and Lo have not responded to media inquiries from Reuters, Bloomberg, and AFP.

Background: Who is Lo Wei-Jen?

The 75-year-old executive brings extensive industry experience, having spent 21 years at TSMC following an earlier 18-year career at Intel. During his TSMC tenure, Lo played crucial roles in driving mass production of cutting-edge 5-nanometer, 3-nm and 2-nm chips.

At Intel, Lo reports directly to CEO Tan and oversees technology development initiatives. His previous experience includes serving as director of technology development and factory manager at Intel’s Santa Clara development facility.

During his TSMC career, Bloomberg reported he was at various times responsible for research and technology development, contributing to mass production of chips used in AI accelerators.

The lawsuit comes as TSMC, valued at over $1.15 trillion, continues to be a major beneficiary of the artificial intelligence boom.

(With inputs from Agencies)