Apple has initiated legal proceedings against OpenAI in a US federal court, accusing the AI firm of unlawfully acquiring trade secrets linked to Apple’s hardware development and supply chain operations. The tech giant alleges that OpenAI gained an unfair competitive edge through information shared by former Apple employees, which was pivotal as OpenAI developed its anticipated consumer AI hardware products.
The lawsuit details claims that ex-Apple staff who joined OpenAI retained proprietary information. Apple asserts these employees accessed confidential data, approached Apple suppliers, and sought sensitive information during recruitment interviews. Among those named in the complaint is Chang Liu, accused of not returning a company-issued laptop, and Tang Yew Tan, a former senior executive at Apple, who allegedly engaged with OpenAI affiliates and Apple suppliers before his departure to become OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer.
Apple’s legal complaint emphasizes systematic targeting of its confidential technology and expertise by OpenAI and its partners, purportedly to expedite their entry into the AI hardware market. With over 400 former Apple employees reportedly now working at OpenAI, Apple contends that it had previously addressed its concerns with the AI company but did not receive a response.
The lawsuit seeks preliminary and permanent injunctions to halt any further use of Apple’s trade secrets by OpenAI. Additionally, Apple demands financial compensation for what it describes as the deliberate and malicious misappropriation of its confidential business information. OpenAI has yet to issue a public response to these allegations.