TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Authorities have launched an investigation after allegations surfaced on Tuesday (Aug. 5) that engineers at TSMC (台積電) stole confidential 2-nanometer process technology. The National Science and Technology Council (國科會) warned that stealing national core key technology trade secrets could lead to severe penalties, including up to 12 years in prison and a fine of NT$100 million.
The Taiwan High Prosecutors Office's (高檢署) intellectual property branch reported on Tuesday (Aug. 5) that a former TSMC employee surnamed Chen (陳) and current employee surnamed Wu (吳), who has since been dismissed, allegedly obtained trade secrets illegally. In July, prosecutors initiated an investigation, and the court approved the detention of three people for violating the National Security Act (國家安全法). TSMC stated that an internal investigation uncovered the leakage of trade secrets, prompting the company to take strict disciplinary action against those involved and pursue legal measures.
The National Science and Technology Council emphasized that the National Security Act clearly defines economic espionage. If national core key technology trade secrets are stolen for foreign entities, the law imposes harsher penalties to deter unlawful dissemination and protect national and industrial interests. In 2023, the council announced a list of national core key technologies, including IC manufacturing technology for processes below 14 nanometers and related key gases, chemicals, and equipment.
TSMC's began risk production of its 2-nanometer chip technology last year, and the chips are expected to enter mass production later this year. They will likely be used in high-performance computing and smartphones, and they are expected to offer up to 30% lower consumption power and 15% higher speeds than the company's 3-nanometer chips.
Legal proceedings discussed in this article remain ongoing; all individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.