Taiwan Prosecutors Intensify TSMC Trade Secret Theft Investigation

Additional Charges Filed Against Tokyo Electron

Taiwan prosecutors have escalated their investigation into the alleged theft of trade secrets from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) by filing additional charges against the Taiwan unit of Tokyo Electron, a Japanese semiconductor equipment manufacturer, along with three other defendants. The decision to add new charges was made on January 5, 2026, as part of an ongoing legal process that began with initial indictments in December 2025.

Legal Basis and Previous Actions

The prosecution's move follows previous charges filed last month against the Taiwan unit of Tokyo Electron for alleged violations of Taiwan's National Security Law and Trade Secret Law. The additional charges signify the expanding scope of the investigation and the authorities' commitment to thoroughly examining the case.

Industry Context and Implications

The case highlights the intense competition and legal battles within the semiconductor industry, particularly involving major players like TSMC and Tokyo Electron. TSMC is a leading global semiconductor foundry, while Tokyo Electron is a key supplier of semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The alleged theft of trade secrets could have significant implications for both companies and the broader industry, potentially affecting competitive dynamics and intellectual property protections.