Apple has initiated a lawsuit in a U.S. federal court against OpenAI, alleging the company has improperly acquired and utilized its confidential trade secrets. The tech giant accuses OpenAI of accessing sensitive information pertaining to Apple’s hardware development, manufacturing processes, and supply chain operations, which Apple claims has unfairly benefited OpenAI in its pursuit of consumer AI hardware products.
The legal filing asserts that former Apple employees who transitioned to OpenAI retained and disclosed proprietary information. Apple contends that this alleged misconduct includes unauthorized access to confidential data through ex-employees, engagements with Apple suppliers, and attempts to extract sensitive information during recruitment conversations.
Among those named in the lawsuit are several former high-ranking Apple personnel, including Chang Liu, who is accused of not returning a company-issued laptop upon leaving Apple. Another notable figure mentioned is Tang Yew Tan, a former senior executive at Apple who assumed the role of Chief Hardware Officer at OpenAI. Apple claims Tan engaged in discussions with OpenAI associates and Apple suppliers prior to his departure.
Apple further accuses OpenAI, along with its affiliated entities, of systematically targeting its confidential technologies, manufacturing expertise, and supply chain relationships. The company suggests this strategy is aimed at expediting OpenAI’s introduction into the consumer AI hardware sector.
Apple is pursuing both preliminary and permanent injunctions to halt the alleged misuse of its trade secrets and is seeking financial compensation for what it describes as deliberate and malicious infringement of its business information. Despite Apple’s claims and previous attempts to address these concerns directly with OpenAI, the AI firm has not yet issued a public response to the allegations.