TSMC Ex Executive Reportedly Heading to Intel While Allegedly Carrying 2nm Knowledge Written in Notes
A developing situation in the semiconductor industry has raised serious concerns at TSMC, as a former senior executive is reportedly preparing to join Intel and allegedly possesses sensitive information related to next generation process technologies. According to new reporting from DigiTimes, TSMC is now weighing the possibility of launching a formal investigation to determine whether this move violates Taiwan’s Trade Secrets Act.
The individual in question, Dr. Wei Jen Lo, previously held a critical position at TSMC and was responsible for leading core process technology development for nearly two decades. Rumors of his move to Intel surfaced several weeks ago, and with the transition now expected to become official, TSMC leadership is reportedly taking decisive action.
Taiwanese media outlets report that Dr. Lo consistently took handwritten notes during confidential internal meetings to analyze important technical details. When he left TSMC, these handwritten materials were allegedly packed into multiple boxes, raising significant concerns regarding the protection of proprietary process information. The notes reportedly contain insights related to TSMC’s most advanced nodes, including 2nm and even early groundwork for 1.6nm class technologies. For a company like Intel, gaining access to such knowledge would represent a massive competitive win.
However, at this stage, no definitive conclusion has been reached. TSMC is still assessing the situation and has not publicly claimed that any secrets have been transferred. The company is currently determining whether Dr. Lo’s actions merit a full legal case and whether the retention of handwritten work materials constitutes a violation under Taiwan’s Trade Secrets Act.
If Dr. Lo officially joins Intel, the implications could be significant. He is credited with major contributions to TSMC’s success, including leading the introduction of EUV lithography into mass production and building the internal special task force known as “Nighthawk,” which has been widely acknowledged as a foundational driver behind TSMC’s dominance in advanced node competition. Analysts believe that if Intel secures his expertise, it could accelerate fundamental changes in Intel Foundry’s operational structure and technical execution.
The move also carries geopolitical weight. Semiconductor leadership sits at the center of international strategic competition, and the transfer of key personnel between TSMC and Intel has the potential to trigger industrial tension. DigiTimes notes that diplomatic intervention may be on the table to support the transition, although the specifics remain unclear.
As the situation continues to unfold, both the industry and government bodies are watching closely. For TSMC, the outcome could shape how it handles internal security and executive departures in the future. For Intel, this represents an extremely high stakes acquisition that could influence its long term goal of regaining process leadership.
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