Taipei: American technology giant Intel Corp. stated that "there is no merit" to the allegations that Lo Wei-jen, one of its employees and a former executive at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), leaked the company's trade secrets.

According to Focus Taiwan, Intel emphasized its commitment to maintaining rigorous policies and controls that strictly prohibit the use or transfer of any third-party confidential information or intellectual property.

Furthermore, Intel highlighted Lo's reputation within the semiconductor industry, describing him as "widely respected for his integrity, leadership, and technical expertise." The company expressed confidence in Lo, stating, "Based on everything we know, there is no reason to believe there is any merit to the allegations involving Mr. Lo."

Intel announced that it was welcoming Lo back as part of its initiative to revitalize its engineering-driven, customer-first culture. The company aims to strengthen its x86 franchise, build a trusted U.S. foundry, and accelerate its AI strategy. Before his tenure at TSMC, Lo had worked at Intel for 18 years, contributing to its process technology development.

The company reiterated the importance of freedom to work and innovate within the semiconductor industry, affirming its commitment to its mission and confidence in the integrity and high standards of its team. Lo joined TSMC in 2004 after serving as director of advanced technology development and general manager of Intel's fab in Santa Clara, California. He became a significant figure in TSMC's high-end technology development over his 21 years at the company.

In mid-November, Taiwan prosecutors initiated an investigation into Lo's alleged leak of TSMC's advanced processes to Intel shortly after he retired from TSMC and resumed work at the U.S. chipmaker as an executive vice president. On Tuesday, TSMC filed a lawsuit against Lo in the Intellectual Property and Commercial Court, accusing him of violating his employment contract, confidentiality and noncompete agreements, and Taiwan's Trade Secrets Act. TSMC claimed that Lo did not disclose his plans to join Intel, instead indicating he intended to enter academia upon retirement. As of now, Taiwan prosecutors have not filed any criminal charges against Lo.