Luo Weiren, the former senior vice president of TSMC and a 75-year-old veteran technology tycoon, was sued for allegedly taking 2nm and other technical secrets to his rival Intel. Luo Weiren had been a technical backbone of Intel as early as 1996. He joined TSMC in 2004 and retired in July 2025. He was originally going to work in an academic institution, but he eventually switched to his old club Intel. Before leaving, he exceeded his authority and learned the secrets of TSMC's 2nm, A16 and A14 processes, which triggered speculation of leaks.
After leaving his post, Luo Weiren immediately went to Intel to serve as Executive Vice President (EVP). Luo Weiren is highly likely to use or leak, inform, deliver or transfer TSMC's business secrets and confidential information to Intel.Therefore, it is necessary for TSMC to take legal action (including liquidated damages).
After being indicted, the local Intellectual Property Court also acted immediately, believing that Luo Weiren was indeed suspected of stealing 2nm secrets. Based on the preservation of evidence and the subsequent pursuit of criminal proceeds, on the 26th, the Investigation Bureau directed the Investigation Bureau to search Luo Weiren's residence in Hsinchu County and Taipei City, and seized computers, portable hard drives and other related evidence. At the same time, he applied to the Intellectual Property Court to seize stocks and real estate in his name, and the ruling was approved.
Luo Weiren has worked at TSMC for 21 years and still holds 1,348 company stocks during his tenure.The market value exceeds NT$1.8 billion, and together with its properties in Taipei and Hsinchu, the total value exceeds at least NT$2 billion.
However, the local government could only seize his property because Luo Weiren held a U.S. passport and had left the country for the United States as early as October.
Because of this, the prosecution of Luo Weiren has also become the focus of the American media, and the U.S. State Department has also responded with its views on the matter,He said he would not comment on the search operation.
Since Luo Weiren switched jobs to Intel, Intel also responded to the matter before. CEO Chen Liwu said that based on everything we know so far, we believe that the accusations against Luo Weiren are baseless, and he will continue to receive our full support.
Chen Liwu emphasized that Intel has strict policies and control measures and strictly prohibits the use or transfer of any third party’s confidential information or intellectual property.
