Apple Sues OpenAI, Claims Former Employees Stole Trade Secrets
Apple sued OpenAI and two former Apple employees, alleging they used stolen trade secrets to support OpenAI’s consumer hardware efforts. The complaint says former engineer Chang Liu failed to return an Apple laptop, accessed Apple systems through an authentication bug, and downloaded confidential hardware files, including unreleased product details and technical specs. It also alleges former design executive Tang Yew Tan used Apple confidential information after joining OpenAI, including internal project names and questions about unreleased products during recruiting. Apple claims OpenAI’s hiring process sought CAD files, prototypes, supplier information, and other hardware details. The suit follows OpenAI’s acquisition of io Products and Apple’s concern that confidential information was flowing into OpenAI. The filing comes amid broader trade secret disputes involving OpenAI and reflects a shift from Apple’s prior partnership with OpenAI on Siri/Apple Intelligence.
