Story perspectives

Ex-TSMC Engineer Sentenced 10 Years, Tokyo Electron Fined NT$150M

4/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Former TSMC engineer sentenced to 10 years for stealing trade secrets to aid Tokyo Electron’s Taiwan subsidiary.
TSMC engineers Wu Ping-jun, Ko I-ping and three others received prison terms ranging from two to six years for trade-secret violations.
Tokyo Electron Taiwan was ordered to pay NT$100 million to TSMC and fined NT$50 million.
Tokyo Electron said it found no evidence of corporate involvement and will strengthen information-management oversight.

History

Historical Context

United Microelectronics Corp. sued former engineer Lin Chih-ming in 2005, leading Taiwan’s courts to impose a prison sentence and a significant fine, reflecting a broader surge in tech IP battles. The trend intensified after Uniloc secured a $388 million verdict against Microsoft in 2009, prompting semiconductor firms in Taiwan and Japan to tighten security protocols.

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Story summary

Former TSMC engineer sentenced to 10 years for stealing trade secrets to aid Tokyo Electron’s Taiwan subsidiary.
TSMC engineers Wu Ping-jun, Ko I-ping and three others received prison terms ranging from two to six years for trade-secret violations.
Tokyo Electron Taiwan was ordered to pay NT$100 million to TSMC and fined NT$50 million.
Tokyo Electron said it found no evidence of corporate involvement and will strengthen information-management oversight.

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