TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Concerns are rising in Taiwan's semiconductor industry as former TSMC executive Lo Wei-jen (羅唯仁) reportedly joined Intel as VP of R&D last month. Lo's move, post-retirement from TSMC in July, has triggered allegations of IP theft and potential violations of the National Security Act (國安法).
Taiwan's High Prosecutors' Office has launched an investigation into allegations that Lo copied TSMC's confidential 2nm, A16, and A14 technology documents before departing. TSMC is compiling evidence to determine if Lo violated the National Security Act and non-compete agreements, which restrict joining rival companies for 18 months post-departure.
Lo's 21-year career at TSMC included leading teams to secure over 1,500 patents, with 1,000 in the U.S. His semiconductor expertise stems from an 18-year tenure at Intel, prior to his role at TSMC. Lo's rumored return to Intel in October has sparked fears of secret leaks, given his significant contributions to TSMC.
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) awarded Lo a fellowship at the Industrial Technology Research Institute (工研院) post-retirement. This recognition is facing scrutiny following Tuesday's (Nov. 18) career move revelations. Kuomintang legislator Chang Chia-chun (張嘉郡) questioned the judgement of Economic Affairs Minister Kung Ming-hsin's (龔明鑫), who called the events "unexpected."
>>> Legal proceedings discussed in this article remain ongoing; all individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.