When you are the top foundry in the world, you are clearly doing something right than the competition. Actually, you can see this situation and ask, “What competition?” However, the TSMC market share is about 67 67 % share of the second -ranked contract chip manufacturer, which is the Samsung Foundry. The latter has only 7.7 % of the market share.
The TSMC has a client list (no, it doesn’t have a client list) that includes many high names in the tech, including Apple, N Vidia, Medetic, Qualcomm, and AMD. The foundry is working on the next generation of chip preparation using its 2NM process node, which is the latest in advanced chip manufacturing. The foundry plans to start mass production on the 2NM node later this year.
Prosecutors had to look for some TSMC staff homes
Inside a fab where chips are prepared. | Image Credit-TSMC
Prosecutors were able to withhold six searches for houses belonging to some TSMC staff between July 25 and July 28. The investigation has now tried to find out if the stolen information has been released to other parties. Taiwan investigators searched Taiwan’s offices belonging to a Japan -based supplier, Tokyo Electron Limited.
Today, in a relevant story, Japan’s Nikki reported that TSMC fired several employees who were working in the foundry while TSMC’s 2NM is trying to get critical and proprietary information about chip development. The TSMC told Nikki that he recently “detected unauthorized activities during routine surveillance, which resulted in the discovery of a potential commercial leakage.” The foundry also said that strict disciplinary measures have been taken against the personnel involved and has initiated legal proceedings. “
TSMC says it had followed the plot thanks to a preliminary investigation. Information made from TSMC is important because the Chinese Foundry SMIC, which is the country’s largest, is limited to producing chips using 7nm node. But this is mostly due to sanctions on the sale of modern lithography equipment, which keeps this gear away from Chinese companies.
Media reports are calling the crime an attack on national security by internal people. Taiwan’s high prosecutors office is investigating under the National Security Act of 2022. This act is designed to prevent sensitive technology, especially semi -conductor tech from falling into the hands of foreign opponents.
“The TSMC maintains a zero tolerance policy toward any action, which comprises the protection of trade secrets or damages the interests of the company. Such violations are strictly dealt with and the law is pursued to a certain extent.”
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The Taiwanese government has developed a list called “National Creation Critical Technologies”, which also includes technology used to produce more than 14NM -developed circuits (ICS). Obviously, the list will be used to produce 2NM ICS and technology used to produce. Recognizing, disclosing and using trade secrets without permission is a violation of the National Security Act. This is the first case that includes semiconductors to prosecute the Act.
TSMC wants to protect your “competitive advantage”
Although TSMC has taken steps to protect its trade secrets, TSMC Chairman and CEOCV has said that it is difficult to copy their foundry technologies. The company added that it will continue to stabilize its monitoring system and will continue to work with the relevant regulatory agencies to protect our competitive advantage and operational stability.
In a statement issued by the Prosecutor’s Office today, it was confirmed that the TSMC had conducted an internal investigation and “TSMC has discovered that its national basic technology was allegedly acquired by a former employee in connection with the current employees.”
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