Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker, has filed a major lawsuit against former Senior Vice President Lo Wen-jen, accusing him of potentially leaking confidential chip manufacturing information to Intel. The legal action, filed on November 25, 2025, marks one of the most high-profile intellectual property disputes in the global semiconductor industry this year.
TSMC Accuses Former Executive of Sharing Trade Secrets
According to the filing in Taiwan’s Intellectual Property and Commercial Court, TSMC alleges there is a “high probability” that Lo used, disclosed, or transferred sensitive trade secrets to Intel after leaving the company. These alleged violations fall under the Employment Contract, Non-compete Agreement, and Taiwan’s Trade Secrets Act.
TSMC claims that Lo misled the company during his exit interview in July 2025 by stating that he planned to join an academic institution while he was preparing instead to join Intel.
A Veteran of Advanced Chip Technology
Lo Wen-jen, aged 75, is a well-known figure in the semiconductor world. During his 21-year tenure at TSMC, he played a crucial role in the development and mass production of TSMC’s most advanced chips, including:
- 5 nm process technology
- 3 nm chips
- Next-generation 2 nm chips
- AI accelerator components
His expertise made him one of TSMC’s most valuable executives in advanced R&D. Prior to joining TSMC in 2004, Lo had already spent 18 years at Intel, creating deep ties with the company.
After retiring in July 2025, Lo officially joined Intel in October 2025 as an Executive Vice President, reporting directly to the CEO.
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan Rejects Allegations
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan has firmly denied accusations of intellectual property theft. Speaking to Bloomberg, he said the allegations are “rumor and speculation” and added that Intel “respects IP.” While Intel has not yet issued a detailed statement about the lawsuit, the company maintains that it adheres to strict intellectual property standards.
Taiwan Launches Its Own Investigation
The case has gained national attention in Taiwan due to the strategic importance of TSMC’s chip technology. The High Prosecutors Office has launched an official inquiry to determine whether the incident involves:
- Violations of core semiconductor technologies
- Breaches of Taiwan’s National Security Act
Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin emphasized that the government is “concerned with national security implications,” given TSMC’s central role in global chip supply chains.
