Apple opposes OpenAI's motion to dismiss trade secret lawsuit

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Apple has filed a formal legal response to oppose OpenAI’s motion to dismiss its trade secret misappropriation lawsuit. The litigation, filed in U.S. federal court, involves OpenAI, its hardware subsidiary io Products, and two former Apple employees, Chang Liu and Tang Tan.

Apple alleges a coordinated scheme to extract confidential hardware and product information. Specifically, Apple claims Chang Liu exploited an authentication bug to access internal network storage and download dozens of engineering files, including details on main logic board manufacturing. Apple also accuses former executive Tang Tan of using internal project code names and requesting that employees bring confidential prototype components, such as batteries and circuit boards, to interviews.

OpenAI has sought to dismiss the case, arguing that Apple failed to identify protectable trade secrets, failed to prove actual damage, and that Apple’s own security practices—such as allowing the use of personal iCloud accounts—contributed to the issue. OpenAI also characterized Liu’s actions as mere professional consultation rather than unauthorized access.

Apple has rejected these defenses, stating that OpenAI is relying on “distortion, speculation, and improper extrinsic evidence.” The company maintains that the defendants have not addressed the core allegations of the complaint. A court hearing regarding the expedited discovery phase is scheduled for October 1.

Entities

Apple · Chang Liu · OpenAI · Tang Tan · io Products

Claims

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

[● 3 SOURCES] Apple filed a response opposing OpenAI's motion to dismiss its trade secret theft lawsuit. www.iphonote.com · www.ithome.com · 9to5mac.com
[● 2 SOURCES] OpenAI contends that Apple's own information management and offboarding practices were inadequate. www.ithome.com · 9to5mac.com
[● 3 SOURCES] OpenAI filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing Apple failed to prove ownership of protectable trade secrets. www.iphonote.com · www.ithome.com · 9to5mac.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Apple alleges that former employee Chang Liu exploited a bug to access internal network storage and download confidential files. www.ithome.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Apple claims former VP Tang Tan requested internal components, including batteries and logic boards, for a show-and-tell session. www.ithome.com