A high-profile trade secret case involving TSMC’s 2nm technology will be decided on April 27, with one defendant facing a potential 14-year prison sentence. Two other defendants have had their detention extended.

Three individuals—former TSMC engineer Chen Liming and current TSMC engineers Wu Bingjun and Ge Yiping—were indicted by Taiwanese prosecutors for allegedly leaking 2nm process technology. According to the indictment, Chen, who left TSMC to work at equipment supplier TEL, repeatedly asked Wu and Ge to provide 2nm trade secrets between 2023 and 2025. The information was reportedly used to help TEL improve its etching equipment and compete for tool orders in TSMC’s 2nm production lines.

TSMC launched an internal investigation after detecting anomalies, filing a formal complaint in July 2025. Prosecutors searched and questioned the individuals, leading to their arrest and detention.

Prosecutors are seeking 14 years for Chen, nine years for Wu, and seven years for Ge. A separate investigation revealed Chen allegedly instructed another former engineer, Chen Weijie, to photograph dozens of confidential 2nm-related documents. A TEL marketing manager is also accused of deleting cloud-based TSMC data to conceal evidence.

Additional charges have been filed against Chen Liming, Chen Weijie, the TEL manager, and TEL itself, with additional prison terms and a $770,000 fine for the company.

ICgoodFind : The TSMC 2nm trade secret case heads to trial next month. The outcome will send a strong signal to the industry about the consequences of stealing core semiconductor technology.