Apple sends preservation letters to dozens of former staff now at OpenAI

Apple filed a lawsuit in a California federal court accusing OpenAI of misappropriating Apple’s hardware trade secrets. The complaint names former Apple engineers Tang Tan and Chang Liu and alleges theft of confidential device designs, manufacturing processes and other proprietary information.

In a related step, Apple has issued legal preservation letters to roughly 40 former Apple employees who are now working at OpenAI. The letters instruct recipients to retain all potentially relevant documents, emails and communications and to meet with Apple’s legal team. The recipients represent about 10 % of the estimated 400 ex‑Apple staff at OpenAI. Apple says the evidence uncovered so far is only “the tip of the iceberg,” and is seeking an injunction, damages and a ban on OpenAI’s use of Apple information. OpenAI has denied the allegations.