In a significant legal move, Apple has initiated a lawsuit against OpenAI, filed in a US federal court, over the alleged misappropriation of its confidential trade secrets. The tech giant claims that OpenAI has gained access to proprietary information concerning Apple’s hardware development, manufacturing processes, and supply chain operations, purportedly providing the AI company with an unfair competitive edge as it explores the development of consumer AI hardware.
Apple’s complaint suggests that OpenAI benefited from sensitive information retained by former Apple employees who joined the AI company. These employees are accused of sharing confidential data, which reportedly includes attempts to engage with Apple suppliers and extract secretive details during recruitment interviews. Among those named in the lawsuit are former Apple executives and engineers, such as Chang Liu, who allegedly did not return an Apple-issued laptop after his departure, and Tang Yew Tan, a former senior executive now serving as OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer. Tan is alleged to have engaged in discussions with OpenAI affiliates and Apple suppliers prior to leaving Apple.
The lawsuit underscores Apple’s assertion that OpenAI and related entities have systematically targeted its confidential technology and expertise. Apple claims this targeting was aimed at accelerating OpenAI’s efforts to penetrate the consumer AI hardware market. The tech company emphasizes that over 400 former Apple employees are currently employed at OpenAI, a fact it believes supports its allegations of trade secret misappropriation.
Apple has also highlighted its previous attempts to address these concerns directly with OpenAI, though it reports receiving no response from the AI firm. In seeking legal redress, Apple is pursuing both preliminary and permanent court injunctions to halt what it views as the illicit use of its trade secrets. Additionally, the company is seeking financial compensation for what it describes as the deliberate and harmful misuse of its confidential business information. As of now, OpenAI has not issued a public response to these allegations.