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Chip Giant Intel Faces Trade Secret Leak Probe
28 Nov
Summary
- Taiwan prosecutors searched former TSMC exec Wei-Jen Lo's home.
- TSMC sued Lo alleging confidential information was shared with Intel.
- Intel denies wrongdoing, stating no belief in improper conduct by Lo.
Taiwanese authorities have initiated an investigation into former TSMC senior vice president Wei-Jen Lo, suspecting him of leaking trade secrets to Intel. Prosecutors conducted searches at Lo's residences, seizing electronic devices and seeking to freeze his assets. This action stems from a lawsuit filed by TSMC, which alleges a high probability that Lo disclosed confidential information after joining Intel in October.
Lo, who previously worked at Intel for 18 years before his extensive tenure at TSMC, is suspected of violating Taiwan's National Security Act. This law is designed to protect the nation's core technologies from unauthorized disclosure. The investigation is actively pursuing these allegations, which could have significant implications for the involved semiconductor companies.
Intel has publicly rejected the accusations, stating that it has no evidence of impropriety on Lo's part. The company emphasized its strict policies against the transfer of third-party intellectual property and characterized Lo as a respected industry professional. Wei-Jen Lo himself has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the ongoing investigation.
