TSMC lawsuit claims former exec is probably leaking secrets to Intel
Summary
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has filed a legal claim alleging that former senior vice-president Wei-Jen Lo likely disclosed TSMC trade secrets to Intel after leaving the company in July 2025. According to TSMC’s regulatory filing, Lo — who joined TSMC in 2004 and moved into a corporate strategy role in 2024 advising the CEO — met with R&D staff and sought details on advanced technologies outside his remit. TSMC says Lo was reminded of NDAs and non-compete obligations at his exit interview but later joined Intel, which is building out a foundry capability to compete with TSMC. TSMC has taken the case to Taiwan’s Intellectual Property and Commercial Court and cited the Trade Secrets Act. Intel denies the allegations and says employee moves between companies spur innovation.
Key Points
- TSMC alleges Wei-Jen Lo accessed and likely shared classified R&D information while in a corporate strategy role.
- Lo retired from TSMC in July 2025 and subsequently joined Intel, prompting the trade-secrets claim.
- TSMC argues there is a “high probability” Lo leaked confidential information to Intel.
- Intel rejects the claim as meritless and stresses the benefits of staff mobility for innovation.
- The dispute is being heard in Taiwan’s Intellectual Property and Commercial Court under the Trade Secrets Act.
- The case touches on bigger industry themes: foundry competition, talent mobility and protection of manufacturing know-how.
Content summary
TSMC says a long-serving executive, Wei-Jen Lo, went beyond his corporate strategy remit to gather details from R&D teams about advanced node processes. Following his departure — during which legal obligations were reiterated — Lo joined Intel. TSMC claims that given Intel’s ongoing push to build a foundry business and its historical interest in TSMC’s manufacturing leadership, there is a strong likelihood confidential information was transferred. Intel counters that hiring experienced personnel is normal and beneficial, and calls TSMC’s suit unfounded. TSMC has pursued the matter in Taiwan’s specialised court using its Trade Secrets Act.
Context and relevance
This isn’t just an HR tiff: it sits at the crossroads of national tech advantage, IP law and the fierce competition to produce the world’s most advanced chips. TSMC is widely regarded as the leader in cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing; Intel is explicitly trying to catch up and expand its foundry services. The outcome could influence how Taiwan and other jurisdictions police employee mobility, NDAs and the protection of process engineering know-how — and shape hiring practices across the chip sector.
Why should I read this?
If you follow semiconductors, supply chains or tech law, this is proper industry drama. A top TSMC exec allegedly walking into Intel with sensitive know-how matters: it could speed rivals, change hiring norms and set legal precedent. We read the filing so you don’t have to — quick, punchy and worth a look if your business or strategy touches chips.
Author style
Punchy: big-name players, serious IP claims, and a courtroom test that could ripple across the global semiconductor industry — worth your attention.