TSMC R&D Executive
Copied and Removed Confidential Documents Before Resignation
A former vice president responsible for research and development (R&D) at Taiwan’s TSMC, the world’s largest foundry (semiconductor contract manufacturing) company, is under suspicion of leaking confidential information after moving to the American semiconductor company Intel.
On November 19, Taiwanese media outlets such as Liberty Times and United Daily News, citing sources, reported that Luo Weiren, Senior Vice President of Technology R&D Corporate Strategic Development at TSMC, copied and removed confidential documents related to cutting-edge process technologies-including 2nm (nanometer; one billionth of a meter), A14 (1.4nm), and A16 (1.6nm)-before his resignation at the end of July.
It was reported that Luo had already returned to his former employer, Intel, last month.
Luo previously worked at Intel before officially joining TSMC in 2004, and is currently said to be involved in efforts to improve the yield of the 18A manufacturing process under testing in Intel’s R&D division. According to one source, the confidential materials Luo allegedly took before his departure amounted to as many as 80 boxes.
Taiwanese prosecutors have begun collecting evidence and launching an investigation. If TSMC files an official complaint, the case will be handled in accordance with the procedures established for the 2nm process technology leak that occurred in July.
The July leak marked the first application of the “Offshore Use of National Core Key Technology Trade Secrets” offense related to semiconductor technology, following the amendment of the National Security Act in May 2022.
If this law is applied, the maximum penalty is 12 years in prison and a fine of up to 100 million New Taiwan dollars (approximately 4.6 billion won).
One source noted that Luo is believed not to have signed a non-compete agreement within the industry. Even if he had, it would be difficult for the Taiwanese side to take action while tariff negotiations with the United States remain unresolved.
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