Apple has initiated legal action against OpenAI in a U.S. federal court, alleging that the artificial intelligence firm has misused its confidential trade secrets. These secrets reportedly pertain to Apple’s hardware development, manufacturing techniques, and supply chain strategies. The tech giant accuses OpenAI of gaining an unfair competitive edge as it ventures into creating consumer AI hardware, a move allegedly aided by former Apple employees who retained and disclosed proprietary information.
The lawsuit specifically mentions former Apple staff who joined OpenAI, highlighting that they allegedly accessed sensitive data, engaged with Apple suppliers, and attempted to extract confidential information during recruitment processes. Among those named are Chang Liu, who reportedly did not return an Apple-issued laptop upon his departure, and Tang Yew Tan, a former senior executive at Apple who assumed the role of Chief Hardware Officer at OpenAI. According to the complaint, Tan engaged with OpenAI associates and Apple suppliers prior to leaving his position at Apple.
Apple contends that OpenAI, along with its affiliates, has systematically targeted Apple’s trade secrets and expertise in manufacturing and product development. The lawsuit suggests this was done to fast-track their entry into the market for consumer AI hardware. The tech company claims that over 400 former Apple employees have joined OpenAI, and it has previously attempted to address these concerns directly with the AI company, though it says it received no reply.
In its legal filing, Apple seeks both preliminary and permanent injunctions to halt the alleged misuse of its trade secrets. The company is also pursuing financial compensation for what it describes as a deliberate and malicious misappropriation of its confidential business information. As of now, OpenAI has not issued any public response to these allegations.