TSMC Ex-Executive Accused of Leaking Trade Secrets to Intel

November 28, 2025 /SemiMedia/ — Recently, Taiwanese authorities raided the residences of former TSMC senior vice president Wei-jen Luo in Taipei and Hsinchu. The authorities also secured a court order to seize Luo’s stocks and real estate as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of safety law violations.

The investigation stems from TSMC's claims that Luo may have leaked sensitive 2nm process technology information to Intel. TSMC believes that such a leak could have significant consequences for its technological edge and competitive position in the global semiconductor market.

TSMC and Intel Dispute Over Trade Secrets

Just days ago, TSMC filed a lawsuit against Luo, accusing him of disclosing proprietary trade secrets. Intel has denied the allegations, and Luo has not publicly commented on the matter.

The case has drawn considerable attention in Taiwan, where TSMC holds a dominant position in the semiconductor industry. The company’s cutting-edge technologies are central not only to its market leadership but also to Taiwan’s geopolitical and economic influence. This incident highlights the sensitivity of TSMC’s proprietary technologies, particularly in the face of growing competition in the global chip-making sector.

The Geopolitical and Technological Importance of TSMC

Luo played a pivotal role in TSMC’s research and development efforts, particularly in advancing the production of high-tech chips for applications like AI accelerators. After over 20 years at TSMC, Luo left the company in July 2025.

Before joining TSMC in 2004, Luo had a significant career at Intel, where he focused on semiconductor development, including the operation of Intel's chip facility in Santa Clara, California.