Taiwan opens a rare national security investigation into alleged leaks of TSMC trade secrets linked to Intel and Tokyo Electron, underlining chips as strategic assets.
Summary
- Taiwan launches a national security investigation into alleged leaks of advanced TSMC process technology, treating chip IP as “core” state-level assets.
- Prosecutors are investigating ties to Intel and are charging Tokyo Electron’s Taiwan unit over compliance failures to prevent TSMC’s trade secret theft.
- The case signals a tougher stance on semiconductor talent and data flows, increasing legal and geopolitical risk to global chip supply chains.
Taiwan has launched an investigation into trade secrets within its semiconductor industry under national security rules, with prosecutors targeting Intel and Tokyo Electron rather than Chinese companies, according to reports.
Tokyo investigates secret leaks from TSMC
The investigation marks a departure from Taiwan’s typical approach to protecting its chip technology, as both Intel and Tokyo Electron are considered strategic partners of the island’s semiconductor sector.
Prosecutors have opened the investigation to investigate possible leaks of chip technology from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker, the reports said.
The investigation falls under Taiwan’s broader national security framework, which is designed to protect crucial technology in the semiconductor industry, which represents a cornerstone of the island’s economy and strategic importance.
Details regarding the specific allegations against Intel and Tokyo Electron, or the nature of the suspected technology leaks, were not immediately available.
The investigation comes as Taiwan continues to strengthen protections around its advanced semiconductor technology amid increasing global competition in the chip manufacturing sector.
TSMC, Intel and Tokyo Electron have not yet issued any public statements about the investigation.
