Intel Faces Lawsuit from TSMC Over Alleged Trade Secret Theft
Intel shares edged higher Tuesday despite Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. filing a lawsuit alleging trade secret theft. The legal action targets former TSMC executive Wei-Jen Lo, who joined Intel in July. TSMC claims a "high probability" Lo leaked sensitive information, though concrete evidence remains undisclosed.
The case hinges on contractual obligations and Taiwan's Trade Secrets Act rather than direct proof of misconduct. Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan previously asserted the company's respect for intellectual property rights. Legal experts suggest TSMC faces an uphill battle proving actual disclosure of secrets versus legitimate competitive hiring.