Core Viewpoint - The case involving TSMC's former senior vice president, Luo Wei-ren, who allegedly took confidential information related to advanced semiconductor processes before joining Intel, has raised significant concerns and led to legal actions by TSMC against him [2][4]. Group 1: Allegations and Legal Actions - TSMC has filed a lawsuit against Luo Wei-ren for violating a non-compete agreement and potentially leaking trade secrets after he joined Intel [2][4]. - Taiwanese prosecutors have initiated an investigation into Luo, conducting searches at his residences and seizing computers and USB drives [2][5]. - The prosecutors have also obtained approval to freeze Luo's TSMC stocks and real estate assets [2]. Group 2: Background of Luo Wei-ren - Luo Wei-ren, who retired from TSMC in July 2023, was a key figure in the company's advancement towards 2nm technology and had previously worked at Intel for 18 years [4][5]. - He was recognized for his contributions to TSMC, including the implementation of the "Night Hawk Plan" to enhance 10nm process development [5]. Group 3: Intel's Response - Intel's CEO, Pat Gelsinger, stated that the company adheres to strict policies regarding the use of third-party confidential information and expressed confidence in Luo's return to the team [5][6]. - Gelsinger emphasized that talent mobility is essential for innovation in the semiconductor industry and that Intel is focused on strengthening its engineering culture and advancing its technology strategies [5][6]. Group 4: Industry Implications - Analysts suggest that Luo's expertise could be crucial for Intel's transformation, especially as the company seeks to recover from its manufacturing setbacks [6][7]. - The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings may have broader implications for the semiconductor industry, particularly regarding the protection of trade secrets and competitive dynamics between TSMC and Intel [7].

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 - TSMC has filed a lawsuit against former senior vice president Luo Wei-ren for allegedly violating a non-compete agreement and potentially leaking confidential information to Intel [1][3]. Group 1: Legal Action - TSMC announced on November 25 that it has initiated legal proceedings against Luo Wei-ren, who served as a senior vice president since 2014 and is accused of breaching his non-compete agreement by joining Intel [1]. - The company claims that Luo's actions could lead to the disclosure of trade secrets and confidential information to Intel, necessitating legal action for breach of contract [1]. Group 2: Background of Luo Wei-ren - Luo Wei-ren has been with TSMC since July 2004 and was promoted to senior vice president in February 2014, with plans to retire on July 27, 2025 [1]. - After being reassigned to the "Corporate Strategy Development Department," Luo continued to request information from the R&D department, raising concerns about his intentions [1]. Group 3: Industry Reactions and Speculations - The news of Luo's potential move to Intel has sparked widespread speculation in Taiwan, with some questioning the motivations behind his actions, given his established career and status [3]. - Industry analysts suggest that there may be underlying strategic considerations, possibly involving tacit approval from TSMC's decision-makers to allow Luo's transition to Intel [4]. Group 4: Broader Implications - The situation reflects ongoing tensions in the semiconductor industry, particularly with U.S. government efforts to bolster domestic chip production and the implications for companies like TSMC [3][4]. - The lawsuit may serve to address public concerns while the true motivations and potential strategic alignments behind Luo's move remain uncertain [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent controversy surrounding TSMC's former senior vice president, Luo Wei-ren, who allegedly took confidential documents related to advanced semiconductor processes when he joined Intel, leading to a lawsuit from TSMC against him for potential breach of confidentiality [2][3][4]. Group 1: TSMC's Legal Action - TSMC has filed a lawsuit against Luo Wei-ren, who retired in July and subsequently joined Intel as an executive vice president, for potentially using or leaking confidential information [3]. - TSMC's legal action is based on Luo's failure to disclose his intention to join Intel during his exit process, despite being reminded of his non-compete obligations [3][4]. - The company had previously extended Luo's retirement age from the standard 67 to 75, indicating his significant role within TSMC [4]. Group 2: Background on Luo Wei-ren - Luo Wei-ren has a Ph.D. in solid-state physics and surface chemistry from UC Berkeley and has a history of working at Intel before joining TSMC in 2004 [4]. - Despite being reassigned to a strategic development role in March 2022, Luo continued to request information from the R&D department, raising concerns about his intentions [4]. Group 3: Industry Context - This incident marks the second significant leak of confidential information from TSMC in recent months, following an earlier case involving nine employees who leaked critical data related to TSMC's 2nm process to Tokyo Electron [6]. - TSMC's internal monitoring led to the discovery of this earlier leak, resulting in the termination and legal action against the involved employees [6].

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].

综合《联合报》等台媒报道，台积电前技术研发暨企业策略发展资深副总经理罗唯仁，今年7月退休时疑似利用职权携走2纳米等先进制程资料，并在10月赴任英特尔。台湾高检署智财分署已立案调查，厘清是否涉及国安法或营业秘密法相关违法行为。台积电一般会与退休或离职主管签订竞业禁止合约，限制他们在18个月内不得进入竞争同业；但外传罗唯仁并未签署相关协议。知情人士透露，罗唯仁对技术非常执着，开会从不携带电脑。每当设备商或材料商前来简报先进制程，他都会以手写方式记录，并妥善保存这些笔记。7月退休前，幕僚为他整理打包的手写资料超过20箱。 ...

Core Insights - TSMC is considering a price increase of 5% to 10% for all high-end process technologies in 2026 to offset U.S. tariffs, currency fluctuations, and supply chain cost pressures [1] - The higher pricing has been communicated to TSMC's foundry partners, affecting major customers like Nvidia and Apple who will face increased chip costs [1] - TSMC is also advancing its technology by planning to build a new 1.4nm advanced process plant, with an expected investment of 1.2 to 1.5 trillion New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 279.64 to 349.55 billion RMB) [3] Pricing Strategy - TSMC's potential price hike is a strategic response to external economic pressures, indicating a proactive approach to maintaining profitability [1] - The company has already informed its partners about the upcoming price adjustments, which will impact key clients in the semiconductor industry [1] Technological Advancements - TSMC is committed to advancing its manufacturing capabilities, with plans to start construction on a 1.4nm process plant in October 2023 [3] - The first two factories are expected to begin mass production by 2028, with future plans to progress to 1nm technology [3]