Taiwan has initiated trade secrets investigations within its semiconductor industry under national security regulations, with prosecutors targeting Intel and Tokyo Electron rather than Chinese companies, according to reports. The investigation marks a departure from Taiwan’s typical approach to protecting its chip technology, as both Intel and Tokyo Electron have been considered strategic partners of the island’s semiconductor sector.
Prosecutors have opened the probe to examine potential leaks of chip technology from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker, the reports stated. The investigation falls under Taiwan’s broader national security framework designed to protect critical 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 probe 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 public statements regarding the investigation.
Key Developments in the Investigation
- •Taiwan launches a national security investigation into alleged leaks of advanced TSMC process technology, treating chip intellectual property as “core” state-level assets.
- •Prosecutors are probing links to Intel and charging Tokyo Electron’s Taiwan unit over compliance failures in preventing TSMC trade secret theft.
- •The case signals a tougher stance on semiconductor talent and data flows, raising legal and geopolitical risk for global chip supply chains.