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Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan Rejects Claims New Hire Took TSMC Trade Secrets

Prosecutors in Taiwan are investigating potential trade‑secret removal tied to a former TSMC executive.

Overview

  • Tan called reports that recent hire Lo Wen-jen carried proprietary TSMC know-how to Intel "rumor and speculation" and said the company respects intellectual property.
  • Taiwan’s High Prosecutors Office opened an inquiry into the allegations, citing national security concerns related to the island’s chip industry.
  • TSMC began an internal investigation to determine whether any trade secrets were removed without authorization.
  • Lo, 75, retired from TSMC in July after leading corporate strategy and earlier research and technology development, and he joined Intel in recent weeks after earlier work at the firm.
  • TSMC denied reports of investment or partnership discussions with Intel, reiterating it has not pursued joint ventures, technology licensing, or know-how transfers.