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]

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 - TSMC has filed a lawsuit against its former senior vice president, Luo Weiren, for allegedly violating non-compete agreements and potentially leaking trade secrets to Intel [2][4]. Group 1: Legal Action - TSMC officially announced the lawsuit against Luo Weiren, citing violations of employment contracts and non-compete agreements [2]. - The lawsuit is based on suspicions that Luo may have used, disclosed, or transferred TSMC's trade secrets to Intel after joining the company immediately following his retirement [4]. Group 2: Background of Luo Weiren - Luo Weiren served at TSMC for 21 years, starting in July 2004 and retiring on July 27 of this year [4]. - After retirement, Luo joined Intel as an executive vice president, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest [4]. Group 3: Allegations of Misconduct - TSMC claims that Luo requested technical briefings on advanced processes, including 2nm technology, before his departure, which raises questions about his intentions [4]. - During an exit interview on July 22, Luo indicated he would pursue a position in academia, without mentioning his move to Intel, which TSMC views as deceptive [4].

Core Viewpoint - TSMC has filed a lawsuit against former senior vice president Luo Wei-ren for allegedly violating employment contracts, non-compete agreements, and trade secret laws after he joined Intel as an executive vice president shortly after his retirement [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Actions - TSMC confirmed that it has officially filed a lawsuit against Luo Wei-ren, claiming he may use or leak company trade secrets to Intel [1]. - The court has acknowledged receipt of TSMC's lawsuit documents, and the Taiwanese economic authority has stated it will cooperate with investigations [2]. Group 2: Employment History and Responsibilities - Luo Wei-ren worked at TSMC from July 2004, becoming a senior vice president in February 2014, and was later assigned to the Corporate Strategy Development Department in March 2024 [2]. - Despite his transfer to a non-supervisory role, Luo Wei-ren continued to request information from the R&D department regarding advanced process technologies [2]. Group 3: Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreements - TSMC asserts that Luo Wei-ren signed confidentiality and non-compete agreements during his tenure, which he allegedly violated by joining Intel immediately after leaving TSMC [2]. - During his exit interview on July 22, TSMC representatives reminded Luo of his non-compete obligations, but he did not disclose his intention to join Intel [2]. Group 4: Industry Concerns - There are concerns that Luo Wei-ren may have taken confidential information related to advanced processes below 2 nanometers to Intel, raising fears of a security crisis [3]. - Political representatives have criticized the Taiwanese government for its perceived double standards regarding threats from the U.S. and Japan compared to those from mainland China [3][4].

Core Viewpoint - TSMC has filed a lawsuit against former senior vice president Luo Wei-ren for potential breaches of confidentiality and non-compete agreements following his departure to Intel shortly after retirement [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Actions and Allegations - TSMC initiated legal action based on employment contracts, non-compete agreements, and trade secret laws, claiming Luo may misuse or disclose confidential information to Intel [1][2]. - Luo joined TSMC in July 2004, became a senior vice president in February 2014, and was reassigned to the Corporate Strategy Development Department in March 2024, where he had no direct oversight of R&D [1]. - After retiring on July 27, 2025, Luo joined Intel as Executive Vice President (EVP) just three months later, raising concerns about potential information leaks [2]. Group 2: Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreements - During his tenure, Luo signed confidentiality and post-employment non-compete agreements, committing not to engage in competitive activities after leaving TSMC [2]. - TSMC's legal counsel reminded Luo of his non-compete obligations during his exit interview, where he indicated plans to work in academia but did not disclose his intention to join Intel [2]. Group 3: Investigations and Industry Impact - TSMC is actively gathering evidence regarding Luo's alleged misuse of his position to access sensitive information related to advanced process technologies before his departure [2]. - The Taiwan High Prosecutors Office has opened an investigation to determine if Luo's actions constitute any legal violations [2].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the legal actions taken against former TSMC employees for the improper use of trade secrets, highlighting the implications for Taiwan's semiconductor industry and national security [2][4]. Group 1: Legal Actions - Three individuals, including a former TSMC technician, have been indicted for improperly using TSMC's trade secrets outside Taiwan, with charges including violations of the National Security Law [2][4]. - One of the accused has transferred to a subsidiary of Tokyo Electron, a partner of TSMC, and allegedly solicited TSMC's technical staff for trade secrets to enhance Tokyo Electron's position as a supplier for TSMC's next-generation 2nm semiconductor equipment [2][4]. - The former TSMC technician faces a total of 14 years in prison, while the other two co-defendants face sentences of 9 years and 7 years respectively for their roles in providing trade secrets to Tokyo Electron [4]. Group 2: Implications for the Semiconductor Industry - The case is seen as a serious threat to Taiwan's semiconductor industry's international competitiveness, as it involves core technologies deemed critical to the nation's industrial lifeline [4]. - The Taiwanese authorities have expressed concerns over the potential outflow of important technologies, leading to amendments in the National Security Law in 2022 that introduced new offenses related to economic espionage and the improper acquisition of core technologies for use outside Taiwan [4].

Core Viewpoint - TSMC's advanced 2nm process technology has been compromised due to an internal leak, with over a thousand confidential images reportedly shared with TEL, a partner in Japan's semiconductor industry [2][7]. Group 1: Incident Details - A former TSMC engineer, who transitioned to TEL, allegedly colluded with two current TSMC engineers to capture and transmit sensitive 2nm process images [2][4]. - The leak was discovered when TSMC noticed unusual access patterns to confidential files, leading to an investigation that identified the involved engineers [3][7]. - TSMC has terminated the employment of the implicated engineers and is pursuing legal action, with potential severe penalties for those found guilty of organized theft of trade secrets [4][5]. Group 2: Legal and Security Implications - The engineers involved face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if found guilty of organized crime related to the theft of TSMC's core technology [4]. - TSMC has a dedicated unit for protecting proprietary information, which regularly conducts audits and training to prevent such leaks [4][5]. - The incident raises concerns about TSMC's reputation and customer trust, although immediate impacts on customer orders are not expected [4][5]. Group 3: Industry Context - The leak highlights TSMC's leading position in the global semiconductor market and suggests that competitors may resort to espionage due to their inability to keep pace with TSMC's technological advancements [5][8]. - The incident underscores the importance of robust security measures and employee training to safeguard sensitive information within the semiconductor industry [5].