Former TSMC Senior VP Wei-Jen Lo Joins Intel Amid Trade Secrets Investigation

Wei-Jen Lo, a former Senior Vice President at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), has reportedly joined Intel as Vice President of Research and Development, according to a report from Liberty Times cited by TrendForce. Lo began his new role in late October, a move that has drawn significant attention within the global semiconductor industry.

Allegations of Trade Secret Misuse and Ongoing Investigation

Before retiring from TSMC in July, Lo allegedly requested subordinates to brief him on and duplicate internal documents related to TSMC’s advanced process technologies, including its 2 nm, A16, and A14 nodes. While such requests may have appeared routine for an executive of his rank, TSMC has since launched an internal investigation and is considering further action. Local media reports indicate that, if substantiated, the case could be subject to scrutiny under Taiwan’s national security laws.

This development follows a recent incident in August, when Taiwan’s High Prosecutors Office indicted three TSMC engineers for allegedly stealing core technology files associated with the company’s 2 nm process. Prosecutors are seeking prison sentences of 7 to 14 years for those involved. These incidents highlight the increasing concerns over intellectual property protection as competition intensifies in the semiconductor sector.

Industry Impact and Competitive Landscape

Lo’s move to Intel comes at a pivotal time for both companies. Intel is preparing to ramp up mass production of its 18A node this year and aims to introduce its 14A process in 2027. Meanwhile, TSMC is targeting mass production of its A16 node in the second half of 2026. The transfer of a senior executive with deep knowledge of advanced process technologies has raised questions about the potential impact on the competitive dynamics between the two semiconductor giants.

Wei-Jen Lo’s Legacy at TSMC

During his 21-year tenure at TSMC, Lo played a significant role in expanding the company’s technology portfolio. According to Commercial Times, his team was responsible for accumulating over 1,500 patents, including approximately 1,000 in the United States. Lo was known for his close working relationship with TSMC founder Morris Chang and remained in his position until the age of 75, well beyond the company’s typical retirement age of 67.

At Intel, Lo is reportedly overseeing advanced equipment and module development, guiding projects from research and development through to pre-production. This role is closely linked to improving manufacturing yields, a critical factor in semiconductor competitiveness. There is ongoing speculation about whether Lo was subject to TSMC’s standard 18-month non-compete agreement, with some sources suggesting he may not have signed such a contract.

On November 29, Taiwanese investigators executed search warrants at Lo’s residences, seizing computers, USB drives, and other potential evidence. The following day, a court approved the seizure of his shares and real estate. Authorities have now frozen assets valued at over NT$2 billion (approximately US$64 million), including NT$1.8 billion in TSMC stock, according to China Times.

TSMC has also filed a lawsuit in Taiwan’s Intellectual Property and Commercial Court, citing Lo’s employment contract, a non-compete agreement, and the Trade Secrets Act. The company alleges a high probability that Lo may use, leak, or transfer TSMC’s trade secrets and confidential information to Intel, prompting legal action. Intel, for its part, has denied the allegations and expressed full support for its new executive.