OpenAI sues Apple over alleged theft of hardware trade secrets

OpenAI Apple trade secrets hardware lawsuit intellectual property

OpenAI has filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that a former employee transferred more than 100 confidential files to personal accounts before returning to Apple. The company claims these files contain sensitive information regarding unannounced hardware projects, including engineering data, supplier lists, and prototype images.

OpenAI asserts that this information was presented to Apple executives and suggests a connection to Apple's recently announced HomeView smart home hub. In response, Apple has denied the allegations, stating it has found no evidence of OpenAI's proprietary material on its internal servers and maintains strict policies against using a new hire's information from previous employers.

The legal battle follows an initial lawsuit filed by Apple in July 2026, which accused OpenAI and two former Apple employees of misappropriating intellectual property. During a recent federal hearing, OpenAI voluntarily agreed not to use Apple's alleged trade secrets while the litigation continues. U.S. District Judge Edward Davila has indicated he is inclined to grant Apple's request for a preliminary injunction.

Entities

Apple · Chang Liu · Edward Davila · HomeView · Jony Ive · LoveFrom · OpenAI

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] Apple originally filed a lawsuit in July against OpenAI and former employees for allegedly stealing intellectual property. www.akhbrna.ae · www.mojandroid.sk · fakti.bg · www.tuttotech.net · novini247.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] U.S. District Judge Edward Davila indicated he is inclined to grant Apple's request for a preliminary injunction against OpenAI. www.akhbrna.ae
[● 2 SOURCES] OpenAI is developing hardware products, including a smart speaker and AI-powered earbuds. www.mojandroid.sk · ar.elbadil.com
[● 8 SOURCES] The stolen files allegedly contained product images, engineering data, supplier lists, and manufacturing processes. www.akhbrna.ae · svetapple.sk · fakti.bg · technologue.id · www.batista70phone.com · +3 more
[● 10 SOURCES] An employee allegedly transferred more than 100 confidential files to personal accounts before returning to Apple. www.akhbrna.ae · ar.elbadil.com · www.mojandroid.sk · svetapple.sk · fakti.bg · +5 more
[DISPUTED] The employee allegedly presented the confidential information to Apple executives, including an operations vice president. ar.elbadil.com · svetapple.sk · fakti.bg · technologue.id · www.batista70phone.com · +3 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Apple maintains policies and procedures to prevent employees from using confidential information from former employers. www.mojandroid.sk · fakti.bg
[DISPUTED] Apple denies that any such presentation took place and states there is no evidence of the files on its internal servers. ar.elbadil.com · www.mojandroid.sk · fakti.bg · technologue.id · www.batista70phone.com · +3 more
[● 4 SOURCES] OpenAI links the stolen information to the development of Apple's HomeView smart home hub. technologue.id · novini247.com · dotekomanie.cz · fakti.bg
[○ 1 SOURCE] OpenAI has voluntarily agreed not to use Apple's alleged trade secrets while the case is ongoing. www.tuttotech.net