Core Points - The former senior vice president of TSMC, Luo Wei-ren, plans to join Intel as an executive vice president, prompting TSMC to file for a temporary injunction to prevent his transition [2] - The case has garnered significant attention, particularly regarding whether Luo can retain his status as an "Academician of the Industrial Technology Research Institute" [2] - TSMC's legal action is based on concerns over potential leakage of core technologies if Luo joins a competitor, citing employment contracts and non-compete clauses as legal grounds [2][3] Group 1 - TSMC has filed a request with the Intellectual Property and Commercial Court to prohibit Luo Wei-ren from taking up his new position at Intel, with the court confirming the case has been accepted [2] - The Ministry of Economic Affairs has initiated procedures to revoke Luo's academician status, indicating that his actions may violate security and trade secret laws [2] - TSMC emphasizes the need to protect trade secrets and has requested the court to keep related information confidential until the case is clarified [2] Group 2 - Prior to his retirement, Luo allegedly instructed subordinates to compile technical briefs covering TSMC's advanced processes, including 2nm and A16 technologies, and is suspected of taking confidential documents with him [3] - Luo joined TSMC in 2004 and has been instrumental in key technology development, holding over 1,500 patents and playing a crucial role in overcoming the 10nm process technology bottleneck [3] - His leadership in the "Night Owl Project" established a continuous R&D operation model, significantly supporting TSMC's success in critical process nodes [3]

Group 1 - TSMC has filed a lawsuit against former senior vice president Luo Wei-ren for allegedly taking confidential information related to 2nm and advanced processes to Intel [2][3] - Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger expressed full support for Luo, stating that the accusations from TSMC are baseless and emphasizing the company's commitment to respecting intellectual property [2] - Gelsinger highlighted Luo's return to Intel after 18 years, where he was responsible for wafer process technology development, and dismissed the allegations as rumors and speculation [2] Group 2 - TSMC's lawsuit is based on the employment contract signed with Luo, which includes confidentiality and non-compete clauses, asserting that he violated these agreements by joining Intel shortly after leaving TSMC [3] - TSMC believes there is a high likelihood that Luo may have used or disclosed its trade secrets to Intel, prompting the legal action for breach of contract and potential damages [3]

Core Viewpoint - Intel has responded to TSMC's lawsuit, emphasizing its strict policies against the use or transfer of third-party confidential information and intellectual property [1] Group 1 - TSMC has filed a lawsuit against Intel, accusing former senior vice president Luo Wei-ren of violating confidentiality agreements and non-compete obligations [1] - The lawsuit alleges that Luo Wei-ren leaked advanced process secrets, including those related to 2nm technology, to Intel [1] - Intel asserts its commitment to upholding confidentiality and compliance with corporate policies [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the legal actions taken by TSMC against former executive Luo Wei-ren, who has transitioned to Intel, highlighting concerns over potential trade secret leaks and the implications for Taiwan's semiconductor industry [1][3]. Group 1: Legal Actions and Implications - TSMC has filed for a "temporary status injunction" to prevent Luo Wei-ren from joining Intel, citing risks of leaking company secrets [1][3]. - The case has garnered significant attention, particularly regarding the potential impact on Luo's status as an "Academician" at the Industrial Technology Research Institute [3]. - The Taiwanese economic department has initiated procedures to revoke Luo's academic title, indicating that his actions may violate the "Security Law" and "Trade Secrets Law" [3]. Group 2: Background on Luo Wei-ren - Luo Wei-ren joined TSMC in 2004 and has held several key technical positions over his 21-year tenure, contributing to over 1,500 patents [4]. - He played a crucial role in overcoming the 10nm process development challenges and led the "Night Hawk Project," which established a continuous R&D system [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the legal dispute between TSMC and Intel regarding the alleged transfer of intellectual property by former TSMC executive, Luo Weiren, to Intel, with Intel's CEO publicly supporting Luo and denying the accusations [3]. Group 1: Legal Dispute - TSMC has filed a lawsuit against Luo Weiren, claiming that his move to Intel could lead to the leakage of advanced chip technology, particularly related to 2nm process technology [3]. - Intel's CEO, Chen Lifeng, has publicly stated that TSMC's accusations are baseless and emphasized the company's support for Luo [3]. - Intel asserts that it has strict policies in place to prevent the use or transfer of any third-party confidential information or intellectual property [3]. Group 2: Company Background - Luo Weiren previously worked at Intel for 18 years, focusing on wafer processing technology before joining TSMC [3]. - The article highlights the competitive nature of the semiconductor industry, where the transfer of key personnel can raise concerns about intellectual property and competitive advantages [3].

Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor industry is currently facing a significant controversy involving Intel and TSMC, centered around allegations of trade secret theft related to advanced manufacturing processes [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Dispute - TSMC has filed a lawsuit against former senior vice president Luo Wei-ren, accusing him of violating confidentiality agreements and transferring proprietary information about 2nm technology to Intel [1]. - Intel has responded by asserting that it has strict policies in place to prevent the use or transfer of third-party confidential information, labeling TSMC's claims as unfounded rumors [2]. Group 2: Technological Developments - Intel's 18A process technology, which utilizes RibbonFET transistors and PowerVia technology, has commenced mass production in Arizona, achieving a 30% increase in transistor density and a 15% performance improvement at the same energy consumption compared to the previous generation [2]. - The differences between Intel's and TSMC's process technologies are highlighted, with Intel being an early adopter of High-NA EUV technology, which TSMC has not yet implemented [2]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The global pure wafer foundry industry is projected to see a 33% year-on-year revenue growth in Q2 2025, driven primarily by the application of advanced processes in AI GPU sectors [3]. - Intel's ability to enhance the yield of its 18A process to commercial levels within the next 1-2 years is critical, as failure to do so may result in losing its competitive edge in the high-end foundry market to TSMC and Samsung [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a legal dispute between TSMC and Intel, focusing on allegations of trade secret theft involving a former TSMC executive who allegedly shared confidential information with Intel [3][4]. Group 1: Legal Dispute - TSMC has filed a lawsuit against former senior vice president Luo Wei-ren for allegedly violating confidentiality agreements and transferring advanced process secrets to Intel [3][4]. - Intel has responded to the allegations, asserting that it has strict policies against using third-party intellectual property and that its technology differs fundamentally from TSMC's [5][6]. Group 2: Technology and Market Implications - Intel's 18A process technology, which has begun mass production in Arizona, utilizes RibbonFET transistors and PowerVia technology, achieving a 30% increase in transistor density and a 15% performance improvement at the same energy consumption compared to previous generations [6]. - The global pure wafer foundry industry saw a 33% year-on-year revenue growth in Q2 2025, driven by advanced processes in AI GPU applications, highlighting the competitive landscape [7]. Group 3: Strategic Importance of Luo Wei-ren - Luo Wei-ren, who retired from TSMC in July 2025, is seen as a key figure for Intel to accelerate its technology deployment, as he has extensive industry experience [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor industry is currently facing a significant legal dispute between Intel and TSMC, centered around allegations of trade secret theft involving a former TSMC executive [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Dispute - TSMC has filed a lawsuit against former senior vice president Luo Wei-ren, accusing him of violating confidentiality agreements and transferring advanced process secrets, including 2nm technology, to Intel [1][2]. - Intel has responded by asserting that it has strict policies against using third-party confidential information and claims that the allegations are unfounded [2]. Group 2: Technology and Market Position - Intel's 18A process technology, which utilizes RibbonFET transistors and PowerVia technology, has begun mass production in Arizona, with a 30% increase in transistor density and a 15% performance improvement at the same energy consumption compared to the previous generation [2]. - The global pure wafer foundry industry is projected to see a 33% year-on-year revenue growth in Q2 2025, driven by advanced processes in AI GPU applications [3]. - If Intel fails to improve the yield of its 18A process to commercial levels within the next 1-2 years, it risks losing its entry into the high-end foundry market to TSMC and Samsung [3]. Group 3: Executive Background - Luo Wei-ren, who recently joined Intel after retiring from TSMC, has extensive experience in advanced technology manufacturing and was instrumental in introducing EUV lithography technology at TSMC [3].

Core Viewpoint - Intel denies allegations from TSMC regarding the leakage of trade secrets by former executive Wei Chen Luo, who recently joined Intel as Executive Vice President [2]. Group 1: Company Actions - Intel emphasizes its strict policies and controls against the use or transfer of third-party confidential information or intellectual property [2]. - The company asserts that it has no reason to believe the allegations against Wei Chen Luo are valid based on current information [2]. Group 2: Legal Proceedings - TSMC has filed a lawsuit against Wei Chen Luo in Taiwan's Intellectual Property and Commercial Court, claiming he violated confidentiality and non-compete agreements [2]. - TSMC alleges that Luo took advanced process-related trade secrets below 2 nanometers when he transitioned to Intel [2].

Core Viewpoint - Intel denies allegations from TSMC regarding employee misconduct related to confidential information leaks, asserting that there is no basis for the claims against Mr. Luo [1] Group 1: Company Actions - Intel spokesperson stated that the company has strict policies in place to prevent the use or transfer of any third-party confidential information or intellectual property [1] - TSMC filed a lawsuit against former senior vice president Luo Wei-Ren, claiming he may have used or disclosed TSMC's trade secrets after joining Intel [1] Group 2: Background Information - Luo Wei-Ren, aged 75, holds a Ph.D. in solid-state physics and surface chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley [1] - He previously held various positions at Intel, including roles in advanced technology development and manufacturing technology, before joining TSMC in 2004 [1]