TSMC veteran Wei-Jen Lo moves to Intel as R&D VP amid an investigation over access to 2 nm and A16/A14 docs. Impact on Intel 18A, 14A yields and NDA risks.
© D. Novikov
Former TSMC senior vice president Wei-Jen Lo has made a sudden switch to Intel, and the move has already become one of the year’s most closely watched personnel stories. Citing Liberty Times, TrendForce reported that Lo assumed the role of vice president for research and development in late October. What triggered a far louder reaction were claims that shortly before leaving TSMC, he requested and obtained copies of internal documents on key process nodes—from 2 nm to the forthcoming A16 and A14.
At first glance, those requests looked routine for an executive of his rank, yet TSMC is now running an internal investigation. Taiwanese media note that if suspicions are confirmed, the case could fall under national laws that protect commercial technologies. It would be the second potential breach linked to the company’s 2 nm work: in August, three TSMC engineers were formally charged with stealing critical data and now face up to 14 years in prison.
Against that backdrop, Lo’s move to Intel inevitably raises more questions. Over 21 years at TSMC, he contributed to more than 1,500 patents and enjoyed the confidence of company founder Morris Chang. He remained in his post until age 75—well beyond TSMC’s usual retirement age. Now he is set to oversee the development and rollout of advanced equipment for Intel, including improving chip yields—an area that connects directly to the contest over process leadership.
One focal point is whether the standard 18-month non-disclosure agreement applied in his case. Some sources suggested he might not have signed it, turning an already sensitive transition into a thornier legal puzzle. The timing adds another layer: Intel is moving its 18A process into volume production and targeting 14A by 2027, while TSMC is preparing to launch A16 in the second half of 2026. Even without any finding of wrongdoing, this alignment is bound to intensify scrutiny in a market where process know-how and yield expertise carry outsized weight.