Intel denies that former executive Wei-Jen Lo shared TSMC’s trade secrets

The dispute between semiconductor giants Intel and TSMC intensified today after Intel formally denied claims from the Taiwanese multinational semiconductor that its former executives, Wei-Jen Lo, had shared confidential information about trade with the company.

Notably, Lo joined Intel after serving for 21 years at TSMC. He left the semiconductor manufacturer in July 2025.

In an email statement, Intel declared that it has established strict regulations and controls to completely prohibit the use or sharing of any confidential details or intellectual property from third parties. Therefore, they argued that they honor these obligations very seriously.

“From what we know, we see no reason to believe the allegations against Mr Lo have any basis,” the company added.

TSMC takes an unusual move against Lo

Earlier, TSMC announced that it had filed a lawsuit against Lo, a former senior vice president of TSMC, in Taiwan’s Intellectual Property and Commercial Court. According to the chipmaker, the lawsuit is based on a non-compete agreement that Lo signed while working at the company.

Highlighting the seriousness of the matter, a court representative confirmed that TSMC’s complaint was officially received the same day. This tech firm’s unexpected move illustrates the growing significance of advanced chip technology, which analysts argue not only backs the chipmaker’s leading position but also impacts its geopolitical situation.

Following the news of a trade secrets leak, TSMC’s stock price slipped slightly. On the other hand, it was discovered that while the firm often loses workers to competitors and other tech companies in its supply chain, it is rare for the semiconductor manufacturer to lose someone as senior as Lo.

This finding stimulated debate in the industry. In attempts to address these concerns, TSMC released a statement highlighting that, “There is a high chance that Lo may use, leak, share, or transfer our trade secrets and confidential information to Intel. Therefore, we need to take legal action, including seeking damages for breach of contract.” 

Sources acknowledged that at 75 years old, Lo had previously taken up the role of research and technology development at TSMC, which contributed greatly to the mass production of advanced chips useful in AI accelerators. His departure from the tech company came as a surprise to TSMC.

The company mentioned that when they inquired about his next destination, he did not mention plans to work for Intel; instead, he informed company lawyers that he would be joining an academic institution.

Interestingly, before Lo joined TSMC in 2004, he worked at Intel, where he applied his skills to advanced technology development and was assigned the role of managing a chip factory in Santa Clara, California. In a statement dated Wednesday, November 26, Intel claimed that Lo worked for 18 years on their process technology team. 

An Intel representative stated that labor mobility between firms is a normal and healthy aspect of the tech industry. The representative also admitted that they were pleased to have Lo back on the team.

The situation between TSMC and Intel sparks tension in the chip industry 

Regarding the current situation between TSMC and Intel, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has decided to intervene to mitigate significant impacts on the chip industry. The government agency stated that it will closely monitor the potential impact of this situation on the industry. To effectively carry out this mission, it intends to collaborate with local prosecutors to investigate whether any national security laws were broken thoroughly. 

The local prosecutors demonstrated their commitment to addressing this situation by initiating an investigation into reports that Lo had taken confidential information from his previous employer just before he departed, which surfaced last week when the allegations were reported in the media. 

Still, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan maintained his belief that his company respects intellectual property rights and denied any misconduct.

Currently, TSMC has become the world’s leading contract chipmaker, surpassing semiconductor pioneer Intel, and is valued at over $1.15 trillion. The company’s data and manufacturing methods are among the most valuable trade secrets and are crucial to Taiwan’s strategy. 

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