Every company in the semiconductor world guards its technical knowledge closely, and losing key talent can spark serious conflict. In August, a high-level figure at TSMC left the company under an agreement preventing him from working for a direct competitor in the same field—specifically, Intel. Yet in October, Intel brought him on board, and now the company’s CEO is openly supporting the hire, even as TSMC moves ahead with legal action.
Earlier this week, TSMC filed a lawsuit against Wei-Jen Lo, claiming that his decision to join Intel in October violates the restrictions he agreed to when he left the Taiwanese manufacturer earlier this year.
According to court documents, Lo previously served as a vice president overseeing research and development and manufacturing processes—precisely the kind of expertise Intel is trying to strengthen as it builds up its foundry business.
Intel responds to allegations about confidential information
The situation prompted Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to address the matter in an internal memo obtained by Oregon Live. In the letter, he states:
“Based on everything we know today, we see no merit to the allegations involving Wei-Jen, and he continues to have our full support.”
Tan also points out that Lo spent 18 years at Intel before joining TSMC, where he worked for another 21 years. If Intel once felt uneasy when an employee with deep knowledge moved to a rival, TSMC now faces the same fear—especially given its importance to Taiwan’s national interests.
Even so, Intel emphasises that it does not engage in transferring trade secrets or sensitive intellectual property. As Tan puts it:
“Intel maintains strict policies and controls that strictly prohibit the use or transfer of any confidential information or intellectual property of third parties.”
Intel is currently pushing hard to strengthen Intel Foundry, its manufacturing division, and adding an executive with decades of high-level experience at the world’s leading chip producer is a major strategic win. It’s clear the company intends to defend the hire and his expertise at all costs.
