Intel reportedly rejected TSMC claims a former executive revealed its trade secrets when he joined the US chipmaker, deepening the intrigue around a case which already resulted in one legal action.

According to Reuters, the US chipmaker stated it employs strict measures to prevent the transfer of restricted information and IP, explaining there is no indication those procedures were breached when former TSMC executive Lo Wei-jen took up a position in October.

TSMC believes Lo revealed details of its work on a 2nm production process.

In company documents, it explained the set-up “will be the most advanced technology in the semiconductor industry in terms of both density and energy efficiency when introduced”.

The 2nm process “features first-generation nanosheet transistor technology, with full-node strides in performance and power consumption”.

Lo retired from his role as SVP for corporate strategy development at TSMC in July before taking up the now controversial role with Intel.

The US company told Reuters the movement of skilled personnel is commonplace in the chip sector and said nothing pointed to TSMC’s allegations being true.

TSMC is reportedly suing Lo over the matter and he is subject to a probe by Taiwanese prosecutors.

Protecting its forthcoming 2nm process has become a serious business for TSMC, which in August reportedly sacked staff for trying to access pertinent details.