While there’s nothing inherently nefarious about personnel moves, Lo’s seniority and level of access make this case particularly high-profile. Local media reports, cited by state-run Focus Taiwan, allege that investigators are examining whether Lo retained documents tied to 2nm-class process development or restricted data related to TSMC’s A14 and A16 processes. Prosecutors have not confirmed the specific scope of the investigation, and no criminal charges have been filed. Lo had worked for Intel previously before joining TSMC in 2004.
The legal escalation adds a new layer of tension between two of the world’s most prominent chipmakers, as Intel attempts to compete with TSMC in advanced process manufacturing. While TSMC maintains a commanding lead in commercial deployment at 3nm and below, Intel is seeking to catch up with its Intel 18A node, which is currently in the pre-production phase and expected to serve external customers.
The lawsuit and any potential investigation could represent an interesting test of how effectively corporate safeguards and national enforcement can contain IP transfer risks in a sector where senior talent often circulates between rival firms. For now, Taiwan is handling the matter as both a civil and a potential criminal case, and TSMC has not commented beyond its civil suit filings.
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Key considerations
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Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/semiconductors/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/semiconductors/ex-tsmc-executives-home-raised-after-lawsuit-filings#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
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