Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade‑secret theft by former staff

Apple has filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of systematically stealing proprietary information from Apple through former employees. The complaint names more than 400 ex‑Apple staff now working at OpenAI and alleges that they used interview processes to extract detailed technical data on hardware design, supplier relationships and manufacturing methods.

Specific allegations include former senior engineer Chang Liu retaining access to an Apple notebook after leaving, downloading thousands of confidential files, and guiding colleague Yu‑Ting "Alyssa" Peng in copying data. Former Apple vice‑president of product design Tang Yew Tan, now OpenAI’s chief hardware officer, is also accused of providing internal Apple documents to new hires. Apple seeks both temporary and permanent injunctions to stop further disclosures.

OpenAI president Greg Brockman responded, stating the company is not interested in other firms’ trade secrets and believes its own innovation is sufficient. He hinted at upcoming hardware products, describing an upcoming screen‑less AI speaker and a broader line of devices built on OpenAI‑designed chips, while acknowledging ongoing integration of its services within ChatGPT.