TSMC Sues Former SVP Over Alleged Trade Secret Transfer to Intel

The gloves are off in the high-stakes world of semiconductor manufacturing. On November 25th, 2025, industry titan TSMC launched a legal broadside in Taiwan against Wei-Jen Lo, a former senior executive. The charge? Violating ironclad non-compete and confidentiality agreements. The alleged transgression? Jumping ship to arch-rival Intel. In a sector fueled by multi-billion-dollar R&D budgets and fiercely guarded technological secrets, this lawsuit promises a no-holds-barred battle with potentially massive implications.

TSMC trade secrets lawsuit against ex-executive Wei-Jen Lo after joining Intel

For over a decade, Lo held court as a Senior Vice President at TSMC, a silent architect behind the company’s groundbreaking advances in process technology. His departure on July 27, 2025, was initially framed as a graceful transition to academia, a final chapter dedicated to scholarly pursuits. But the ink on his retirement papers was barely dry when Lo resurfaced – not in a hallowed hall of learning, but at Intel, as an Executive Vice President. The swiftness of his move raises questions, turning a seemingly straightforward retirement into a captivating game of corporate chess.

TSMC accuses Lo of violating critical agreements with a lightning-fast jump to Intel. They fear this swift move signals a grave betrayal: the potential theft and exploitation of TSMC’s closely guarded trade secrets now potentially in Intel’s hands.

The access allegations

Even before his exit, whispers of impropriety swirled around the departing executive (according to Digitimes, flagged by @jukan05), adding fuel to TSMC’s already burning anxieties. Back in March 2024, the chip giant quietly shifted Lo to a "corporate strategy development unit" – a seemingly benign advisory role for the chairman and CEO. The intent? To discreetly sideline him from the sensitive realm of direct R&D control.

Even as his departure loomed, TSMC alleges Lo’s hunger for proprietary secrets intensified. Defying protocol, he reportedly convened clandestine meetings with R&D engineers beyond his direct supervision. The target? Nothing less than the blueprints for TSMC’s future: the revolutionary A16 and A14 processes. To TSMC, these pre-retirement maneuvers paint a clear picture – a calculated attempt to pilfer invaluable intellectual property.

Industry and government response

The legal battle ignited a firestorm, instantly drawing the gaze of government watchdogs. Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs confirmed that a probe, spearheaded by prosecutors and investigators, is underway. The burning question: does this case expose vulnerabilities in Taiwan’s crucial tech sectors or violate national security?

While the executive settled into his new office, Intel PR scrambled to extinguish the blaze. At an industry gathering, CEO Lip-Bu Tan waved away concerns like bothersome flies, labeling the swirling accusations as mere "rumor and speculation." A blanket statement followed, affirming Intel’s unwavering respect for intellectual property. Yet, beyond this carefully constructed facade, details remained shrouded. Tan dodged specifics about Lo’s recruitment, but vehemently denied any pilfered TSMC secrets found their way into Intel’s coffers.

The wheels of justice are turning. As authorities gather initial evidence, TSMC prepares to unleash its legal arsenal, seeking significant compensation for damages incurred. Expect further developments to break in the coming weeks, promising a potentially explosive unfolding of events.

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