Tokyo Electron dismisses employees due to unauthorized disclosure of TSMC technology
In a significant development, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's largest contract chip manufacturer, has discovered potential leaks of trade secrets related to its advanced 2nm chip process. This highly sensitive and cutting-edge manufacturing technology is believed to be the focus of the investigation[1].
Six individuals have been arrested in relation to the alleged trade secret leak, including an employee who previously worked for Tokyo Electron, a major producer of chipmaking equipment used by TSMC[2][3]. Tokyo Electron, the recipient of TSMC's Excellent Performance Award for both technology collaboration and production support last year[4], has confirmed the sacking of this employee after they were involved in the incident announced by Taiwanese judicial authorities on August 5[5].
TSMC has taken strict disciplinary actions against the personnel involved in the potential trade secret leaks, but has not provided details about the technology involved[6]. The High Prosecutors' Office announced that the leaked information involved "national core technology," highlighting its significance[7].
The investigation has led to legal actions, employee dismissals, and strengthened internal monitoring at TSMC[1]. Two other employees have been released on bail, and another was freed without any conditions[8].
TSMC's clients include tech giants such as Nvidia Corp and Apple Inc[9]. Another one of Tokyo Electron's clients is Japanese chipmaker Rapidus Corp, which is building a plant in Hokkaido to make 2-nanometer chips[10].
Interestingly, Tetsuro Higashi, Rapidus Corp's chairman, was a former president of Tokyo Electron[11]. Despite the ongoing investigation, an internal investigation at Tokyo Electron has revealed no leaks of confidential information so far[12].
As part of the probe into the breach, TSMC's Hsinchu office was searched by Taiwanese authorities[13]. The incident underscores the importance of protecting sensitive technology in the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry.
[1] CNN [2] Nikkei Asia [3] Reuters [4] AnandTech [5] Taiwan News [6] Digitimes [7] Focus Taiwan [8] Reuters [9] Bloomberg [10] Nikkei Asia [11] Bloomberg [12] Nikkei Asia [13] Focus Taiwan
The highly sensitive manufacturing technology at the heart of the investigation, the advanced 2nm chip process developed by TSMC, is considered national core technology. TSMC's clients, such as tech giants Nvidia Corp and Apple Inc, are affected by the potential leaks of this technology.
