I think that this is a really interesting move by Intel. The conspiracy theorist in me thinks this is an interesting way for Intel to get at TSMC. A few years back there was a cross licensing agreement between TSMC and GlobalFoundries. The agreement is broad, and covers all patents made by TSMC for the next 9 years [1]. It is easy to see how many problems this could create for TSMC. Either the deal is void, in which case TSMC is and has been likely infringing on Global Foundries' (with an acquisition Intel's) patents... Or Intel has a broad cross licensing agreement with TSMC... The deal was good for TSMC at the time, as Global Foundries had given up on more advanced nodes as the investment was just too much for their shareholders, but with new ownership I see it as an interesting weakness.

Intel has historically been willing to play dirty, like messing with compilers to benefit Intel over Amd[2]. Or like when they gave kickbacks to OEMS [2]. Or when they paid vendors to not support AMD fully in software[2]. Or just plain old false advertising [2]. Actions like these is what led to a 1.25 Billion dollar settlement with AMD [3].

Outside of playing dirty, it is a good strategic move for their new foundry business. You get the tools, know how, processes, and most importantly customers that can make the venture a success. Intel has had a foundry business before [4], but they closed it. "ecosystem is everything with the foundry business and that takes time, money, and technical intimacy," [4]. Intel has money, and they are buying the years in the foundry business they missed along with technical intimacy to more standard tools. So, I think it makes sense from a business perspective, as it gives Intel a recurring revenue for its older processes and in turn greater advantage from its vertical integration.

[1] https://www.anandtech.com/show/15038/globalfoundries-and-tsm... [2]https://www.anandtech.com/show/3839/intel-settles-with-the-f... [3] https://www.cnet.com/news/intel-to-pay-amd-1-25-billion-in-a... [4] https://semiwiki.com/semiconductor-manufacturers/intel/7912-...