Former TSMC Senior VP Wei-Jen Lo has reportedly joined Intel as VP of R&D, according to a Liberty Times report cited by TrendForce. Lo is said to have started in late October, a move that has surprised many in the semiconductor industry. The report also claims that before retiring in July, Lo asked subordinates to brief him on and copy internal documents covering TSMC's 2 nm , A16, A14, and other next-generation process technologies. At the time, the requests appeared routine for someone at his level, but TSMC is now investigating and considering possible action. Local media say the case may draw scrutiny under national-security laws if the allegations hold up. If confirmed, this would be TSMC's second major 2 nm leak in recent months. On August 27, Taiwan's High Prosecutors Office indicted three TSMC engineers for stealing core technology files tied to the company's 2 nm development, seeking 7-14 years in prison. The concerns around Lo's move come as Intel pushes its 18A node into mass production this year and targets 14A production in 2027. TSMC, meanwhile, plans to begin mass production of A16 in the second half of 2026.

Lo worked at TSMC for 21 years and played a key role in building its technology portfolio. Commercial Times notes that the team accumulated more than 1,500 patents during his tenure, including about 1,000 in the U.S. He also had the trust of founder Morris Chang and stayed in his role until age 75, well past TSMC's typical retirement age of 67. Liberty Times reports that Lo's position at Intel involves overseeing advanced equipment and module development from R&D through pre-production, a role closely tied to yield improvement. The report also raises questions about whether Lo was bound by TSMC's usual 18-month non-compete agreement, with some sources suggesting he may not have signed one.