Intel's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, has responded to the claims of a process technology leak involving an ex-TSMC executive joining his firm, stating that Intel respects the intellectual property of others.
Intel's New 'Ex-TSMC' Executive Won't Bring Any Process Technology, But the Joining Will Help In Several Other Ways
Well, it appears that there's a new matter brewing within the chip industry, involving Intel and TSMC in the 'high stakes' semiconductor front. We have discussed TSMC's former executive joining Intel Foundry on an R&D-focused position, along with rumors of a '2nm technology leak' as well. However, Intel's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, has issued a statement on this matter, stating that it's a mere rumor and that the firm respects the core technologies developed by TSMC and others. The statement was given on the occasion of the SIA awards, but it still holds depth.
It is rumor and speculation. There is nothing to it. We respect IP.
- Intel's CEO
For those unaware, TSMC's ex-executive Dr Wei-Jen Lo is all set to join Intel Foundry, and one of the reasons why his hiring is 'controversial' is that the official has worked closely with TSMC's processes, and reportedly has 'critical data' around it. The reason this matter has reached a point where Taiwanese officials are investigating it is that TSMC has a strict policy regarding former officials joining rival companies. Lo was in a position where he had access to sensitive information for the Taiwan chip giant.
Until now, Taiwan's Minister of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Ming-hsin Kung, has disclosed that a formal investigation is underway, and at the same time, the officials are looking towards how TSMC judges the matter internally, which is why the intervention of Taiwanese government won't do too much, since TSMC's chip operations are too gigantic with "specialized expertise and responsibilities" for each employee onboard. However, based on what we know so far, Dr. Wei-Jen Lo's joining of Intel is more focused on advanced packaging, as discussed in an earlier report.
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, especially what US customers desire when they are looking for an external foundry. As far as possibilities of a technology transfer, they do look pretty slim for now.
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