Unnamed TSMC employees allegedly stole 2nm technical secrets, reportedly passing them on to Rapidus; the accused are claimed to have shared numerous process integration technical photos.
In a recent development, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is investigating a serious breach of its trade secrets. The investigation revolves around several current and former TSMC employees who allegedly stole proprietary 2nm-class fabrication process images and shared them with Japan-based startup Rapidus.
The alleged conspiracy involves a former TSMC employee now working at Tokyo Electron (TEL), a supplier for both TSMC and Rapidus, acting as a conduit, transmitting the stolen images. TEL is believed to be an unwitting intermediary rather than a conspirator in this matter.
The stolen trade secrets, which include hundreds of technical photos of TSMC's advanced 2nm process, appear to have been used by Rapidus to help develop or fine-tune their own semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. Rapidus, which partners with IBM to develop 2nm technology, is currently conducting trials of its 2nm-class production node, expected to enter mass production in 2027.
IBM is publicly known to be collaborating with Rapidus on 2nm technology development, but no direct evidence from the investigation connects IBM with the theft itself. The investigation is ongoing, and further details may be reported by Tom's Hardware in the future.
TSMC employees are accused of stealing trade secrets related to its upcoming 2nm-class fabrication process, specifically taking and sharing detailed internal images and information about the 2nm process. Some suspects worked at TSMC's dedicated 2nm fabrication facility and adjacent research center.
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[1] TSMC Trade Secret Investigation: Employees Accused of Stealing 2nm-Class Fabrication Process Images. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tomshardware.com/news/tsmc-trade-secret-investigation-2nm-class-fabrication-process
[2] TSMC Trade Secret Theft: Stolen Images Allegedly Shared with Rapidus and IBM. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tomshardware.com/news/tsmc-trade-secret-theft-stolen-images-rapidus-ibm
[3] Rapidus and IBM's 2nm-Class Technology Development: TSMC Employees Allegedly Involved. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tomshardware.com/news/rapidus-ibm-2nm-class-technology-development-tsmc-employees-involved
[4] Tokyo Electron in TSMC Trade Secret Investigation: Unwitting Intermediary or Conspirator? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tomshardware.com/news/tokyo-electron-tsmc-trade-secret-investigation
[5] IBM's Role in TSMC Trade Secret Theft: Collaborator or Accomplice? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tomshardware.com/news/ibm-tsmc-trade-secret-theft-role
- The investigation into TSMC's trade secret breach has shed light on the role of technology in modern business, as alleged data theft has impacted the finance sector through the alleged sharing of proprietary 2nm-class fabrication process images with competing firms.
- A recent general news report highlighted the complexities of crime and justice in the tech industry, with the TSMC trade secret case showcasing the importance of data-and-cloud-computing security measures for businesses involved in investing and manufacturing technologies.
- In the world of finance and business, the stolen TSMC trade secrets have had far-reaching implications, as Rapidus's use of the images appears to have accelerated progress in data-and-cloud-computing and technology, particularly in the realm of semiconductor manufacturing.
