Intel rejects TSMC’s claim that former executive leaked company secrets

Intel

Intel has denied claims from TSMC that one of its new hires, Wei Jen Lo, leaked any confidential information after leaving the Taiwanese chipmaker. The accusation has caused quite a stir because Lo is a well known name in the chip industry and has worked at both companies during his long career.

TSMC filed a lawsuit in Taiwan earlier this week saying it believes Lo may have taken sensitive information with him when he joined Intel in October. The company says Lo had access to important details about their most advanced chips and fears that information could now be with a rival, a report by Reuters.

Intel has pushed back strongly. In a statement, the company said it has no reason to believe Lo did anything wrong. It also said Intel has strict rules that prevent employees from bringing in or sharing secrets from their previous employers. According to Intel, these rules are taken very seriously.

Lo has not responded publicly to the allegations.

Intel also spoke highly of Lo, calling him a respected and trusted figure in the industry. The company said people switching jobs is normal and healthy, and that this situation should be seen in the same way.

Lo’s career path explains why the case has drawn so much attention. Before joining TSMC back in 2004, he had already worked at Intel for 18 years. He then spent 21 years at TSMC and helped lead the development of some of their most advanced chips. After retiring earlier this year, he rejoined Intel.

Taiwan’s economy ministry says it will help look into the matter to see if any important technologies were affected or if any laws may have been broken.

For now, both companies are standing their ground. The case is at an early stage, and the industry will be watching closely to see how it unfolds.