Core Viewpoint - TSMC's upcoming 2nm process may see a price increase of 50% due to "semiconductor inflation," but industry experts question the validity of this claim, suggesting it may be misinformation [2][3] Group 1: Price Increase Speculation - TSMC has not confirmed any price increase for the 2nm process, stating that its pricing strategy is based on value rather than opportunism [2] - The report from Wccftech indicates that TSMC's significant capital expenditures for advanced processes may necessitate strong pricing to maintain investment returns amid semiconductor inflation [2] - Following the news, TSMC's ADR rose over 3% on the 23rd, but faced selling pressure the next day, reflecting market skepticism about the price hike [2] Group 2: Technical Advancements - TSMC's 2nm technology is expected to outperform previous nodes, with a projected 10% to 15% speed increase at the same power level, or a 25% to 30% reduction in power consumption at the same speed [3] - The company anticipates that the number of product designs using 2nm technology in the first two years will exceed that of 3nm and 5nm processes [3] - TSMC plans to begin mass production of the 2nm process in the second half of 2025, with a production curve similar to that of the 3nm process [3]

业界认为，台积电2纳米涨价五成的传闻，有两点很可疑。首先，目前2纳米都还没放量，哪来涨价的比 较基期售价？其次、台积电不发机会财，不太可能出现一次涨价五成这种离谱数字。 科技媒体《Wccftech》引述消息来源报导，台积电（2330）即将量产的2纳米（N2）制程可能涨价五 成，主要与"半导体通膨"有关，激励台积电23日ADR收盘劲扬逾3%，惟业界提出两点质疑，认为是"假 消息"。 针对2纳米涨价议题，台积电昨（24）日回应，"不评论价格问题。 台积公司的定价策略始终以策略导 向，而非以机会导向，我们会持续与客户紧密合作以提供价值。"外界解读，台积电的回应，破除市场 传闻发机会财的想像空间。 《Wccftech》则披露，台积电先进制程资本支出庞大，为维持投资回报与制程良率，恐不得不采取的强 势定价，以因应"半导体通膨"。台积电23日ADR应声大涨，盘中一度劲扬逾4%，终场涨3.7%，并激励 昨天台湾普通股开高，一度攻上1,355元天价，惟市场"愈想愈不对"，盘中卖压涌出，股价一度翻黑， 终场收平盘1,340元。台积电24日ADR早盘也面临获利回吐卖压，下跌约1%。 针对2纳米技术量产，台积电先前一次法说会上提到 ...

Core Viewpoint - TSMC has reported a case of trade secret leakage, leading to criminal charges against three individuals for violating the company's information protection policies related to 2nm process technology [1] Group 1: Legal Proceedings - The prosecution has concluded its investigation into the criminal complaint filed by TSMC, resulting in charges against three defendants for leaking confidential information [1] - The prosecution has recommended a 14-year prison sentence for a former TSMC employee, Chen, who allegedly solicited TSMC's trade secrets after joining Tokyo Electron [1] Group 2: Industry Context - TSMC has been under scrutiny for alleged theft of chip technology, with six individuals arrested, including a former employee of Tokyo Electron, accused of stealing trade secrets [1] - Tokyo Electron plays a crucial role in the global semiconductor manufacturing supply chain, providing essential equipment to companies like TSMC, Samsung, and Intel [1] - Industry experts believe that Tokyo Electron lacks a clear motive to engage in intellectual property theft, as it could jeopardize its relationship with TSMC [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing frequency of intellectual property theft in the global semiconductor industry, highlighting significant legal cases involving companies like Huawei and TSMC, and the implications for innovation and competition in the tech sector [2][3][19]. Group 1: Legal Cases and Their Implications - In mid-2025, a landmark ruling by the Shanghai Third Intermediate Court sentenced 14 individuals from Zunpai Technology for stealing Huawei's chip intellectual property, with total fines amounting to 13.5 million yuan and nearly 100 million yuan in company funds frozen [2]. - Concurrently, TSMC filed a lawsuit against a former employee for leaking over 400 confidential 2nm process technologies to Tokyo Electron and Rapidus, indicating a broader trend of IP theft in the semiconductor sector [2][3]. - The frequency of patent infringement lawsuits in the semiconductor field reached 193 in Q4 2024, with 26 cases involving companies from mainland China, reflecting a shift in the landscape of IP disputes as China's semiconductor industry rises [3]. Group 2: Zunpai Technology's Case Study - Zunpai Technology's rise in the Wi-Fi 6 chip sector was marred by illegal practices, including systematic poaching of Huawei employees and blatant IP theft, which ultimately led to its downfall [6][7]. - The founder, Zhang Kun, previously a senior technical director at Huawei, orchestrated a talent acquisition strategy that resulted in over 60% of Zunpai's initial team being former Huawei employees, raising legal and ethical concerns [8][9]. - Judicial findings revealed that 40 technical points in Zunpai's technology had over 90% similarity to Huawei's trade secrets, a level of overlap deemed extraordinary in the semiconductor industry [9][10]. Group 3: Industry-Wide Trends and Consequences - The article highlights that the trend of IP theft is not limited to the semiconductor industry but is prevalent across various tech sectors, including autonomous driving and AI, where companies often resort to poaching talent and stealing technology to accelerate their market entry [14][15]. - The allure of quick success in high-stakes industries leads some companies to bypass traditional R&D processes, opting instead for shortcuts that undermine innovation and ethical standards [16][17]. - The Zunpai case serves as a critical example of the need for robust legal frameworks to deter IP theft and protect the integrity of innovation within the tech industry [19][25]. Group 4: Legal and Regulatory Developments - Huawei's extensive investment in R&D, amounting to 179.7 billion yuan in 2024, underscores the importance of a strong IP protection system, which has been pivotal in safeguarding its innovations [20][21]. - The court's ruling in the Zunpai case is significant for its deterrent effect, with 14 individuals receiving prison sentences, a departure from the typical outcomes of similar cases that often result in mere financial penalties [22][23]. - The innovative approach to loss assessment in this case, which considered R&D costs and expected returns rather than just direct losses, marks a shift in how IP infringement is evaluated legally [23].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant leak of confidential information related to TSMC's 2nm process, which has raised concerns about the ongoing chip competition between Taiwan and Japan. The leak was reportedly facilitated by a former TSMC engineer who used remote work to capture sensitive information [1][2]. Group 1: Incident Overview - TSMC's confidential information was leaked to Tokyo Electron (TEL), highlighting the competitive landscape in the semiconductor industry between Taiwan and Japan [1]. - The leak involved a former TSMC engineer who used a company-issued laptop to access confidential files and then photographed them with a personal phone, circumventing digital monitoring systems [2]. - TSMC's internal investigation was triggered by unusual access to confidential files, leading to the identification of the involved employees and subsequent legal action [2]. Group 2: Security Measures and Challenges - TSMC has stringent security measures in place, including restrictions on mobile phone usage within facilities and monitoring systems to detect anomalies [1]. - Despite these measures, the complexity of chip manufacturing processes, which can involve hundreds to thousands of steps, makes it challenging to fully replicate the technology even if some information is leaked [1]. - TSMC's chairman has previously stated that the current technological advancements make it extremely difficult for individuals to steal or replicate their processes [1].

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].

Group 1 - The summer box office in 2025 has surpassed 200 million viewers as of August 6, indicating a strong recovery in the film industry [1] - Ideal Automotive, China Automotive Research, and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor issued a joint statement addressing the collision test incident involving the Ideal i8, emphasizing the need for industry self-discipline and integrity in product development and marketing [2] - TSMC confirmed the dismissal of multiple employees due to the leakage of 2nm process trade secrets, with investigations revealing that around 10 individuals were involved in the incident [3] Group 2 - *ST Dongtong announced that its actual controller and chairman, Huang Yongjun, is under investigation by the China Securities Regulatory Commission for suspected violations of information disclosure laws [4] - President Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% additional tariff on goods from India in response to India's continued importation of Russian oil [5] - The White House announced that Apple will increase its investment commitment in the U.S. by $100 billion, reflecting the company's ongoing expansion plans [6] Group 3 - Federal Reserve official Kashkari indicated that two interest rate cuts this year may still be appropriate, suggesting a potential response to economic slowdown [7] - U.S. stock markets saw all three major indices close higher, with Apple shares rising over 5%, indicating strong performance in the tech sector [8]

Group 1 - TSMC's 2nm technology has been leaked, involving former employees who allegedly obtained confidential information and shared it with Tokyo Electron employees [1][2] - A total of nine individuals are implicated in the case, including engineers from TSMC's R&D and production departments [1] - TSMC has confirmed the detection of unauthorized activities through its monitoring systems and has initiated legal actions against the involved parties [1] Group 2 - The 2nm process is currently the most advanced chip manufacturing technology globally, with only a few companies, including TSMC, Samsung, Intel, and Japan's Rapidus, actively developing it [2] - The leak could significantly alter the competitive landscape in chip manufacturing, especially for competitors like Samsung and Rapidus who are also working on 2nm technology [2] - The timing of the leak coincides with the U.S. initiating a national security investigation into semiconductor imports, raising potential political and economic risks [2]

Core Viewpoint - TSMC's 2nm process is set to begin mass production in the second half of this year, with strong demand from major clients like Apple, AMD, and Intel, leading to significant capacity expansion plans [1][2][3] Group 1: Production Capacity Expansion - TSMC plans to increase its 2nm monthly production capacity from 40,000 wafers at the end of this year to 100,000 wafers by next year, representing a 150% increase [1] - By 2027, TSMC anticipates further increasing the capacity to between 160,000 and 180,000 wafers, with the potential to reach 200,000 wafers if demand exceeds expectations [1][2] - The majority of the new capacity will be established at TSMC's Kaohsiung F22 facility [1] Group 2: Market Position and Client Demand - The 2nm process is expected to become TSMC's largest advanced process node by 2027, surpassing the current 7nm and 5nm processes, which have monthly capacities of approximately 160,000 wafers [2][3] - TSMC's advanced process expansion is a key driver for its performance, as more advanced nodes command higher prices, benefiting both volume and pricing [2][3] - Major clients expected to adopt TSMC's 2nm technology include Apple, AMD, Intel, Qualcomm, MediaTek, and NVIDIA [2][3] Group 3: Technological Advancements - TSMC's 2nm process technology is designed to provide significant performance and power efficiency advantages, with speed increases of 10% to 15% at the same power level, or a 25% to 30% reduction in power consumption at the same speed [3] - The company plans to introduce the N2P process technology, an extension of the N2 family, which will offer even better performance and power efficiency, expected to begin mass production in the second half of 2026 [4]

Core Viewpoint - TSMC is expanding its 2nm production capacity in Taiwan, responding to strong market demand and aiming to support its customers effectively [1][3][4]. Group 1: Expansion and Investment - TSMC is actively seeking suitable semiconductor factory sites in Taiwan to continue its investment expansion [1][3]. - The total investment for the 22nd wafer fab is over NT$1.5 trillion, creating more than 7,000 high-tech jobs and over 20,000 construction jobs [3]. - TSMC's operations in Taiwan generate approximately NT$3 trillion in annual output value and nearly 500,000 job opportunities through supply chain and consumption effects [3]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - The 2nm process technology is currently the most advanced in terms of density and energy efficiency, with a speed increase of 10-15% at the same power consumption compared to the previous 3nm generation [4]. - The 2nm technology is expected to enter mass production in the second half of this year and will be widely used in cutting-edge technology products, including supercomputers and cloud data centers [4]. - It is anticipated that the product tape outs for 2nm in the first two years will exceed those of 3nm during the same period, driving approximately $2.5 trillion in terminal product value globally within five years of mass production [4]. Group 3: Sustainability Initiatives - TSMC is committed to green manufacturing, with the 22nd wafer fab and all its fabs in the Southern Taiwan Science Park built according to the US Green Building LEED certification standards [5]. - The company plans to use 100% renewable energy and aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, supported by local water resources for achieving 100% recycled water usage [5]. Group 4: AI and Productivity - TSMC plays a crucial role in the AI sector, with a 1% increase in productivity translating to an additional $1 billion in revenue [6]. - The successful expansion of the 2nm process demonstrates TSMC's efforts in developing advanced process technology and increasing production capacity in Taiwan [6].