Theft


Three former TSMC employees have been put in detention incommunicado over
allegations they stole confidential information related to cutting-edge chip
technology.

The Taiwan High Prosecutors Office's Intellectual Property Branch is charging
them with stealing industry secrets and violating the National Security Act.

The case marks the first such case involving the illegal acquisition of the
nation's core technology secrets in Taiwan.

This follows Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company announcing it would
take legal action against "several former employees" suspected of trying to
steal data on its 2-nanometer chip development and production while still
employed at the company.

TSMC says the breach was detected early through its internal monitoring
systems.

It reaffirmed its "zero-tolerance policy" for violations of trade secret
protections or actions that threaten its corporate interests.

The 2-nanometer process is slated to enter mass production in the second half
of 2026.

Compared to TSMC's N3E process, the new chips promise up to 15 percent more
speed and 30 percent greater energy efficiency.

(IG)