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Apple escalates trade secret lawsuit against OpenAI
Apple has escalated its legal battle against OpenAI, presenting what it describes as “shocking evidence” in a trade secret misappropriation lawsuit. The case centers on former Apple engineers Tang Tan and Chang Liu, who joined OpenAI as the latter company expands into consumer hardware.
Forensic analysis of a MacBook previously used by Liu revealed that he allegedly downloaded confidential circuit schematics for a power converter and used them in simulations using the LTspice engineering tool while at OpenAI. Apple also claims Liu used a tool with a name identical to an internal Apple engineering application and trained an AI agent using proprietary information.
Furthermore, Apple alleges that Liu and other OpenAI staff were aware of his unauthorized access to Apple’s third-party cloud storage. The company also claims that Liu instructed a colleague to destroy evidence after learning of Apple’s internal investigation.
OpenAI has denied all allegations, characterizing the dispute as a “mess of Apple’s own making.” The company argues that Apple is using the lawsuit strategically to hinder competition and discourage employees from moving between firms, noting that California law allows for the free movement of talent. OpenAI has filed motions to dismiss the case, maintaining that its recruitment practices follow industry standards.
Entities
Apple · Chang Liu · Northern District of California · OpenAI · San Jose · Tang Tan · Tang Yew Tan · U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California · io Products
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 21 SOURCES] Chang Liu downloaded a confidential Apple circuit schematic and used it in his work at OpenAI. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · iphoneaddict.fr · news.cnyes.com · olhardigital.com.br · www.unite.ai · +13 more
- [● 16 SOURCES] OpenAI employees were aware that Chang Liu was accessing Apple's third-party cloud storage without authorization. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · iphoneaddict.fr · news.cnyes.com · olhardigital.com.br · www.unite.ai · +7 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] OpenAI has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, stating its recruitment follows industry standards. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · news.cnyes.com · espiganoticias.net · macdailynews.com · pakistanpost.pk · +5 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] Chang Liu sent instructions to an OpenAI colleague to destroy evidence after learning of Apple's internal investigation. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · iphoneaddict.fr · news.cnyes.com · olhardigital.com.br · www.unite.ai · +4 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Chang Liu used the stolen circuit schematic to run simulations in the LTspice engineering tool. iphoneaddict.fr · www.ithome.com · www.unite.ai · espiganoticias.net · www.macg.co
- [● 11 SOURCES] Chang Liu used a tool at OpenAI with a name identical to an internal Apple engineering application. espiganoticias.net · www.eeo.com.cn · www.antaranews.com · www.ithome.com · news.cnyes.com · +3 more
- [● 11 SOURCES] Chang Liu used a tool at OpenAI that has the same name as an internal Apple engineering application. espiganoticias.net · www.eeo.com.cn · www.antaranews.com · iphoneaddict.fr · www.ithome.com · +3 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Chang Liu used proprietary Apple information to train an AI agent at OpenAI. www.it-boltwise.de · www.antaranews.com · www.latestly.com · www.timesnownews.com · bitcoinethereumnews.com