Tokyo Electron Faces Charges Over Alleged TSMC Trade Secrets Theft
Tokyo Electron's Taiwan unit has been indicted under Taiwan's National Security Act and Trade Secrets Act for its alleged role in the theft of trade secrets from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). Prosecutors are seeking a fine of up to NT$120 million ($3.8 million), marking the first case where a corporation in Taiwan faces charges under the National Security Act for compromising national Core critical technology.
The indictment alleges that Tokyo Electron failed to implement adequate preventive measures despite having internal rules, exposing the company to corporate criminal liability. The charges, announced on December 2, 2025, stem from an August 2025 incident involving a former TSMC employee.