You are currently viewing SemiWiki as a guest which gives you limited access to the site. To view blog comments and experience other SemiWiki features you must be a registered member. Registration is fast, simple, and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
It seems just prior to leaving TSMC Wei-Jen Lo requested several boxes of TSMC proprietary information. The article goes on to say that since he was retiring he was not asked to sign a non-compete agreement. There is suspicion that he has shared that information with Intel along with taking a position at Intel where he will be responsible for 'advanced equipment and module development from R&D up to pre-mass-production'.
I don't think that TSMC process information would have a lot of direct application at Intel as Intel 18A is in production and 14A has got to be pretty far along if they are going to be rolling out their 0.5 PDK in the next few months. That said, I believe that if he were to share the information with Intel it would help them in terms of competitive analysis.
The thing that makes me question this report is that Lip-Bu Tan has a reputation as a straight-shooter and I have trouble believing he would roll the dice on what essentially amounts to corporate espionage. Poaching talent? Sure. But stealing corporate secrets? Not so much.
It seems just prior to leaving TSMC Wei-Jen Lo requested several boxes of TSMC proprietary information. The article goes on to say that since he was retiring he was not asked to sign a non-compete agreement. There is suspicion that he has shared that information with Intel along with taking a position at Intel where he will be responsible for 'advanced equipment and module development from R&D up to pre-mass-production'.
I don't think that TSMC process information would have a lot of direct application at Intel as Intel 18A is in production and 14A has got to be pretty far along if they are going to be rolling out their 0.5 PDK in the next few months. That said, I believe that if he were to share the information with Intel it would help them in terms of competitive analysis.
The thing that makes me question this report is that Lip-Bu Tan has a reputation as a straight-shooter and I have trouble believing he would roll the dice on what essentially amounts to corporate espionage. Poaching talent? Sure. But stealing corporate secrets? Not so much.
I missed the announcement from Intel that Wei-Jen Lo was hired. I see announcements of other executives who joined Intel. If he did and brought secrets it will be a great shame for him and his family in Taiwan.
I certainly don't deny that possibility, but considering the excessive damage to Lapidus' reputation, I can't help but doubt it.
Do you really need to take the risk of litigation?
I missed the announcement from Intel that Wei-Jen Lo was hired. I see announcements of other executives who joined Intel. If he did and brought secrets it will be a great shame for him and his family in Taiwan.
An ongoing rumor that has now tarnished his legacy.
Intel and TSMC have traded employees for many years which is common in the semiconductor industry. Taking IP however is not. Hopefully the people who started this rumor will be held accountable.
It seems just prior to leaving TSMC Wei-Jen Lo requested several boxes of TSMC proprietary information. The article goes on to say that since he was retiring he was not asked to sign a non-compete agreement. There is suspicion that he has shared that information with Intel along with taking a position at Intel where he will be responsible for 'advanced equipment and module development from R&D up to pre-mass-production'.
Some posts or news articles in Chinese mentioned that Lo wrote paper notes diligently when subordinates briefed him, i.e. the "boxes of TSMC proprietary information" mentioned could be handwriting notes.
Also, the good old days working with Michael Splinter and Andy Grove while at intel could be one of the reason why he boomerang back to Intel.
An ongoing rumor that has now tarnished his legacy.
Intel and TSMC have traded employees for many years which is common in the semiconductor industry. Taking IP however is not. Hopefully the people who started this rumor will be held accountable.
True or false, he has potentially become a poisoned apple for Intel. Intel and CEO Lip-Bu Tan have to consider their current and future relationship with TSMC, in addition to advancing Intel’s manufacturing capabilities.
TSMC doesn’t even need to go to court to make Intel understand that, if the accusation is true, it would not be good for Intel itself.
True or false, he has potentially become a poisoned apple for Intel. Intel and CEO Lip-Bu Tan have to consider their current and future relationship with TSMC, in addition to advancing Intel’s manufacturing capabilities.
TSMC doesn’t even need to go to court to make Intel understand that, if the accusation is true, it would not be good for Intel itself.
True or false, he has potentially become a poisoned apple for Intel. Intel and CEO Lip-Bu Tan have to consider their current and future relationship with TSMC, in addition to advancing Intel’s manufacturing capabilities.
TSMC doesn’t even need to go to court to make Intel understand that, if the accusation is true, it would not be good for Intel itself.
This is very true and CC Wei is not one you would want to do battle with. CC is very smart on so many levels and I am sure he knows Wei-Jen Lo personally. I really do think this is media click-bait, I certainly hope so.
It seems that Wei Jen Lo has an intel email address.
"Commercial Times reports that late last month, supply-chain sources indicated that Lo already has an active Intel email account—something TSMC’s top management is also said to be aware of."
This seems like more than just a consulting relationship if the report is true. I'm still skeptical that he intends to share any of TSMC's trade secrets, though. Intel needs his expertise on identifying and eliminating roadblocks to process development. They don't need someone to tell them how to develop a process, just how to do it efficiently.
Fresh off a 2nm data leak involving its engineers in August, TSMC is now facing an even bigger headache: rumors that former Senior VP Wei-Jen Lo—who r...
Taiwan is investigating a retired TSMC executive who recently joined Intel , the island's economy minister said on Wednesday, after local media reported that he may have taken the chipmaker's advanced technology data to his new employer.
www.reuters.com
"A source familiar with the matter said Lo is currently working at the U.S. chipmaker and reports directly to Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan."
