Dutch chip toolmaker ASML has revealed an employee in China recently stole information about its technology which may have resulted in export controls being violated, in an incident that underscores the company’s importance in the global battle to produce advanced semiconductors.ASML, the international leader in the production of so-called lithography machines that use light to etch semiconductors, said in its annual report on Wednesday that it had been “subject to misappropriation of data relating to proprietary technology by a (now) former employee in China”.
“Although we do not believe that the misappropriation is material to our business, certain export control regulations may have been violated,” it added, given that recent international export controls relate to the supply of information as well as physical tools.
The company said it had reported the incident to the Dutch and US authorities.