Intel has strongly refuted allegations from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) concerning the potential leakage of trade secrets by a former executive. The controversy centers around Lo Wei-jen, who left his role as Senior Vice President for corporate strategy development at TSMC in July to join Intel in October. TSMC contends that Lo disclosed sensitive information related to its cutting-edge 2nm production process.
In a statement to Reuters, Intel emphasized that it has rigorous protocols in place to safeguard restricted information and intellectual property. The company asserted that there is no evidence to suggest that these protocols were compromised when Lo transitioned to Intel. TSMC’s claims revolve around the assertion that Lo provided insights into technology that is poised to be the most advanced in the semiconductor industry, offering significant improvements in both density and energy efficiency.
The 2nm process is touted by TSMC as utilizing first-generation nanosheet transistor technology, which promises notable advancements in performance and power consumption. As TSMC seeks to protect its intellectual property, the company has reportedly taken drastic measures, including terminating employees who attempted to access sensitive information.
TSMC has initiated legal action against Lo, and he is currently under investigation by Taiwanese prosecutors. Intel characterized the movement of skilled professionals within the semiconductor sector as a standard practice and reiterated that nothing indicates that TSMC’s allegations hold validity.
The case sheds light on the competitive landscape of the semiconductor industry, where safeguarding proprietary technology is increasingly critical. TSMC’s response to the situation underscores the importance of maintaining a secure environment for innovation, particularly as the company prepares to launch its advanced 2nm process.
