Apple has initiated legal action against OpenAI, filing a lawsuit in a U.S. federal court over allegations of misappropriating trade secrets. The tech giant accuses OpenAI of using confidential information related to Apple’s hardware development, manufacturing processes, and supply chain operations, purportedly to gain an unfair competitive edge in developing its own consumer AI hardware products.
The lawsuit claims that former Apple employees, who later joined OpenAI, retained and disclosed proprietary information. This misconduct allegedly involved accessing confidential data, engaging with Apple suppliers, and seeking sensitive information during recruitment interviews. Among those named in the lawsuit is Chang Liu, who is accused of not returning a work laptop issued by Apple after leaving. Additionally, Apple names Tang Yew Tan, a former senior executive at Apple who moved on to become OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer. Tan is accused of holding discussions with OpenAI affiliates and Apple suppliers prior to his departure.
Apple contends that OpenAI and its affiliates have deliberately targeted its confidential technology and expertise. The lawsuit underscores the systematic approach OpenAI allegedly took to leverage Apple’s manufacturing knowledge, product development processes, and supply chain networks, which Apple claims was done to expedite OpenAI’s entry into the consumer AI hardware sector.
In its legal filing, Apple highlights that over 400 former Apple employees are now working at OpenAI. The company asserts that it had previously raised these concerns directly with OpenAI but did not receive a response. Apple is seeking both preliminary and permanent injunctions from the court to prevent OpenAI from using the alleged misappropriated trade secrets, in addition to financial damages for what it describes as willful and malicious actions against its business interests.
As of now, OpenAI has not issued any public response to the allegations brought forth in Apple’s lawsuit.