A few days ago, one of the Dutch publications published a scandalous article in which they reported the alleged theft of one of ASML's technologies in order to transfer them to the authorities in China. ASML designs and manufactures equipment for the production and testing of semiconductors, which, by definition, is of interest to China and beyond. As ASML builds its manufacturing relationships with Chinese companies, a case of technology theft by the Chinese could resonate with society. Therefore, the manufacturer of lithographic equipment for the production of chips was forced to officially respond to the publication, which he did.
According to a statement in a company press release, the case of ASML technology theft noted by the publication categorically cannot be classified as espionage by China. Certain developments of the company were indeed stolen, but this happened back in 2015 and was carried out by a group of American ASML employees in California, among whom were citizens of several nations. After the discovery of an unauthorized data leak, the company turned to the US investigative and judicial authorities. During the proceedings, it turned out that the criminal group intended to sell the stolen goods into the hands of a joint Chinese and South Korean company XTAL. We are talking about software for making photomasks (masks).
In November 2018, US courts ordered ASML to pay $223 million in compensation. XTAL was supposed to pay, but it is in a state of bankruptcy, and ASML has little hope of receiving compensation. In any case, the Dutch manufacturer emphasizes that this case has nothing to do with the machinations of the Chinese authorities or any companies from this country. ASML itself is building strong partnerships with Chinese companies and expects, for example, a wide supply to China, including the latest EUV range scanners. However, AMSL would not mind seeing the improvement of legislation by the Chinese authorities, which would strengthen the protection of intellectual property of foreign companies.
Source: 3dnews.ru