Key points
- TSMC, the world’s largest chip foundry, is marketing its trade secret management system globally.
- The system, which was built in 2013, currently manages over 610,000 trade secret cases for TSMC.
- The system aims to foster innovation within TSMC’s supply chain and enhance competitive advantage.
- The system integrates with HR and IT platforms, utilizing AI for project monitoring and talent identification.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the global leader in advanced chip manufacturing, is expanding its innovative trade secret management system beyond its internal operations. The company, which produces chips for tech giants like Nvidia and Apple, plans to offer its proprietary system to businesses in Europe and the United States.
This move aims to bolster innovation not only within TSMC but also throughout its extensive supply chain. By equipping partners with enhanced trade secret management capabilities, TSMC anticipates a stronger, more secure collaborative ecosystem.
The system, initiated in 2013, currently houses over 610,000 registered trade secrets, encompassing a wealth of technological know-how. Its functionality extends beyond simple storage; it integrates seamlessly with TSMC’s human resources and IT infrastructure, leveraging artificial intelligence for sophisticated project monitoring and talent identification.
This integrated approach enables proactive identification of key personnel and technologies, strengthening the company’s intellectual property protection.
Fortune Hsieh, TSMC’s associate general counsel and chair of the Taiwan Association for Trade Secrets Protection, emphasizes the system’s dual role in protection and innovation. He explains that cataloging trade secrets not only safeguards valuable intellectual property but also fosters a culture of innovation by providing a structured framework for managing and leveraging this knowledge.
This system, already adopted by 20 Taiwanese firms, including ASE Technology Holding Co., promises a more organized and effective approach to managing confidential information.
While TSMC has implemented robust cybersecurity measures, including automatic encryption, a recent theft case underscores the persistent challenges in safeguarding sensitive data.
Despite these challenges, legal experts like Jeanne Wang of Tsar & Tsai Law Firm praise the system’s efficiency in streamlining the retrieval of information during disputes, significantly reducing the time and resources required for evidence gathering.
This makes the system a valuable asset for research-and-development-driven companies that must manage vast amounts of confidential information.
