Apple files suit alleging OpenAI stole its hardware trade secrets
Apple Inc. filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California accusing OpenAI of misappropriating Apple’s confidential hardware information. The complaint names OpenAI’s chief hardware officer, Tang Tan – a former Apple vice‑president who helped design the iPhone, Apple Watch and other products – and former senior engineer Chang Liu, who allegedly retained an Apple laptop after leaving and used a security flaw to download dozens of unpublished design files. Apple says the former employees urged current Apple staff, during OpenAI job interviews, to bring actual Apple components and CAD data as “show‑and‑tell” material. The filing adds that more than 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI, and that OpenAI’s recent acquisition of Jony Ive’s hardware startup io Products for about $6.5 billion is tied to the alleged theft. Apple also claims OpenAI asked suppliers to use Apple‑specific metal‑finishing techniques without permission. Apple’s statement reads, “At every level, from members of its technical staff to its chief hardware officer, OpenAI has been stealing Apple’s trade secrets and confidential information.” The lawsuit seeks an injunction, return of all stolen material and damages.