The trial in the case of the robbery of high-tech TSMC developments has concluded—an ex-employee faces up to 20 years in prison.

Taiwanese court will announce verdict on industrial espionage case at TSMC – April 27

On April 27 the Taiwanese court plans to deliver a ruling in one of three high‑profile cases involving theft of trade secrets from the world’s largest contract chipmaker, TSMC. The case is notable because it marks the first use of the “National Security Law” in the semiconductor sector.

Who is accused
The main suspect is former TSMC employee Chen Li‑ming. He worked in the performance management department before moving to the marketing division at Tokyo Electron Taiwan. He is alleged to have orchestrated several industrial espionage operations.

Three related cases
No. Event Charges Potential sentence
12023 Limin convinced two TSMC engineers at Tokyo Electron to disclose 2‑nm process technology. Trade secret theft, espionage – up to 14 years’ imprisonment for Limin; 9 and 7 years for accomplices.
X Theft of 14‑nm technology data + destruction of evidence. Participation in thefts, destruction of traces – up to 7 years for Limin; 9 years for co‑author; up to 1 year for Tokyo Electron manager Lu3 (details not yet disclosed).

Legal features
* Taiwanese jurisprudence allows aggregation of sentences for related charges, but the total cap is 20 years’ imprisonment.
* The first of the three cases uses the “National Security Law,” which could result in the maximum penalty for Limin.

Tokyo Electron Taiwan liability
Tokyo Electron Taiwan must pay a fine of NT$145 million (≈ US$4.52 million) for inadequate measures to prevent illegal activity. The amount was increased from NT$120 million to NT$145 million after the second charge was filed.

Thus, on April 27 not only will the fate of one key suspect be decided, but an important legal precedent in intellectual property protection in Taiwan will also be set.