Intel on Thursday rejected claims by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) that former TSMC executive Wei-Jen Lo had disclosed trade secrets after joining the U.S. chipmaker. In an emailed statement, Intel said, “Based on everything we know, we have no reason to believe there is any merit to the allegations involving Mr Lo.” Lo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Intel emphasized that it enforces strict policies to prevent the use or transfer of any third-party confidential information or intellectual property, noting that it takes these commitments seriously. The company welcomed Lo back, highlighting his reputation for integrity, leadership, and technical expertise, and described talent movement across semiconductor companies as a normal and healthy industry practice.
TSMC, meanwhile, filed a lawsuit in Taiwan’s Intellectual Property and Commercial Court against Lo, a former senior vice president who helped lead TSMC’s mass production of 5nm, 3nm, and 2nm chips. Lo retired from TSMC after a 21-year career and joined Intel in October, having previously worked at Intel for 18 years. Taiwan’s economy ministry said it will investigate whether the case involves trade secret violations or national security concerns.
