In a surprising turn of events, the Taiwanese semiconductor powerhouse TSMC has launched a lawsuit against its former executive, Dr. Wei-Jen Lo, following his transition to Intel. This legal action arises amidst concerns that sensitive information about TSMC’s cutting-edge chip technologies may have been compromised.
TSMC’s Legal Action Against a Former Executive
The move of Dr. Wei-Jen Lo to Intel has been clouded with controversy, with allegations suggesting that TSMC is worried about the potential ‘technology transfer’ to its competitor. Dr. Lo, who had significant access to proprietary information related to TSMC’s 2nm process, is now at the center of a legal dispute. On November 25th, 2025, TSMC filed a lawsuit in the Intellectual Property and Commercial Court, highlighting the terms of Dr. Lo’s Employment Contract and Non-compete Agreement, alongside regulations like the Trade Secrets Act.
The legal proceedings underscore the high probability of Dr. Lo misusing or disclosing TSMC’s confidential information to Intel, prompting the need for legal measures, including potential claims for breach of contract.
TSMC was reportedly not informed of Dr. Lo’s move to Intel, initially believing he was pursuing academic interests. This lawsuit indicates TSMC’s belief that local laws may have been broken, raising concerns about the security of its semiconductor secrets. Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, has already addressed these claims, dismissing them as baseless and affirming Intel’s respect for the intellectual property of all competitors.
Implications for the Semiconductor Industry
Dr. Lo’s transition to Intel carries implications beyond semiconductor processes. His expertise could bolster Intel’s standing in Arizona, especially with his insights into US customer demands from TSMC. Intel is positioning itself as a leader in packaging technologies, fueling interest from tech giants for its EMIB and Foveros technologies.
The unfolding events have certainly sparked a debate within the semiconductor industry, setting the stage for a potential rivalry between two of the sector’s leading players. The outcome of this legal battle could profoundly impact the competitive dynamics in semiconductor innovation and leadership.