Intel issues statement over TSMC claims against former executive: ‘Based on everything we know…’

Intel has released a statement denying allegations by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) that one of its former executives, Wei-Jen Lo, had leaked trade secrets. The corporate rivalry between the US chip giants intensified this week following a lawsuit filed by TSMC against the former top executive who recently joined Intel. The dispute revolves around the allegations by TSMC that Lo, a highly respected chip industry veteran, who retired from TSMC after a 21-year career and joined Intel in October, provided its new employer secrets about its 2nm fabrication process.According to a report by news agency Reuters, Intel in an emailed statement, denied the allegations leveled against Lo, asserting that the company has no reason to believe any wrongdoing occurred. “Based on everything we know, we have no reason to believe there is any merit to the allegations involving Mr Lo,” Intel said.The US chipmaker again committed to legal conduct, stating it maintains “rigorous policies and controls that strictly prohibit the use or transfer of any third-party confidential information or intellectual property.”Lo previously worked at Intel for 18 years before joining TSMC in 2004 and defended his professional reputation. The company added that “Talent movement across companies is a common and healthy part of our industry, and this situation is no different.”Earlier this week, TSMC filed the lawsuit in Taiwan’s Intellectual Property and Commercial Court, stating that the legal action was necessary because there is “a high probability that Lo uses, leaks, discloses or transfers TSMC's trade secrets and confidential information to Intel.”What makes this case noteworthy is that Lo was instrumental in driving TSMC's manufacturing breakthroughs, particularly in the mass production of its most advanced process nodes: 5-nanometre, 3-nm, and 2-nm chips.Meanwhile, the dispute has also drawn regulatory attention in Taiwan. The country’s economy ministry confirmed this week that it will cooperate with authorities to determine whether the case involves the infringement of core technologies or violations of Taiwan's National Security Act.