Intel has responded to TSMC's official lawsuit against an ex-executive, with CEO Lip-Bu Tan saying that Team Blue "fully supports" the transition of Dr Wei-Jen Lo to his firm.
Intel's CEO Lip-Bu Tan Denies Allegations of an 'IP Transfer' With the Move of TSMC's Former Executive
It appears that the Intel-TSMC matter surrounding the hiring of a former executive has gained significant attention, particularly following the Taiwan giant's official lawsuit, which we reported on yesterday. For those unaware, a key executive from TSMC is moving to Intel, and the Taiwanese chip giant apparently believes that this will result in 'trade secrets' being leaked to Team Blue, providing them an unfair advantage. In a statement by Intel's CEO in an internal memo to employees, Tan fully supports the move of TSMC's former executive to his company, stating that all allegations are unfounded.
Based on everything we know today, we see no merit to the allegations involving Wei-Jen, and he continues to have our full support. As part of this transformation, Intel has welcomed back Wei-Jen Lo, who previously spent 18 years at Intel working on the development of Intel’s wafer processing technology before joining TSMC, where he continued his work in their wafer processing technology development.
Intel maintains rigorous policies and controls that strictly prohibit the use or transfer of any third-party confidential information or intellectual property.
Well, it won't be wrong to say that this is the first time Intel's CEO has actually named Wei-Jen when it comes to the move of a former executive from his company, which indicates that the transfer is probably 'sealed'. This statement follows TSMC's filing of a lawsuit yesterday, in which the Taiwan giant claimed that the former executive has access to 'confidential information' that could benefit competitors like Intel in the advanced chip race. However, Tan has denied the reports once again, stating that Intel has no intention of violating IP laws.
Intel's process technology, such as the 18A and beyond, differs from TSMC in several ways, including the implementation of PowerVia and RibbonFET. Additionally, Intel is known to be an early adopter of High-NA EUV technology, which TSMC still lacks. The only way Intel Foundry would benefit from Lo's joining is through his understanding of the supply chain dynamics, particularly what US customers desire when seeking an external foundry. As for the possibility of technology transfer, Intel has denied any such possibility.
It would be interesting to see how the matter evolves moving ahead, but it won't be wrong to say that this is turning into a 'high stakes' deal, for both TSMC and Intel, for now.
News Source: OregonLive
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