In a significant legal move, Apple has initiated a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the artificial intelligence firm has misappropriated its confidential trade secrets. Filed in a US federal court, the lawsuit charges OpenAI with improperly acquiring sensitive information regarding Apple’s hardware development, manufacturing processes, and supply chain operations.
The tech giant accuses former employees, who transitioned to OpenAI, of retaining and sharing proprietary details, thus providing the AI company with an undue advantage as it reportedly works on developing consumer AI hardware products. According to the lawsuit, these allegations extend to accessing confidential information through ex-employees, engaging Apple suppliers, and seeking sensitive insights during recruitment processes.
Among those named in the lawsuit are several former Apple executives and engineers, notably Chang Liu, who is accused of not returning a company-issued laptop upon his departure. Another key figure mentioned is Tang Yew Tan, a former senior Apple executive who went on to become OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer. Apple claims Tan engaged in discussions with OpenAI associates and Apple suppliers prior to leaving the company.
Apple contends that OpenAI and its affiliated entities have systematically targeted its confidential technology, manufacturing know-how, product development strategies, and supply chain connections to speed up their entry into the consumer AI hardware sector. The company highlights that over 400 ex-Apple employees are currently working at OpenAI, and notes that previous attempts to address these concerns directly with the AI firm have gone unanswered.
Seeking to protect its trade secrets, Apple is asking the court for both preliminary and permanent injunctions to prevent the alleged misuse of its proprietary information. Additionally, the company is pursuing financial reparations for what it describes as the deliberate and harmful misappropriation of its business secrets. As of now, OpenAI has not issued any public response to these allegations.