OpenAI Accuses Former Employee of Stealing Trade Secrets and Pitching to Apple
In a San Jose court filing, OpenAI alleges that a former employee, who joined from Apple and stayed for six months, took over 100 secret files about an unreleased product and pitched it to Apple's senior leadership.
According to the document, some of the files, including device images and manufacturing data, were sent on the employee's last day, June 2nd, at midnight in Singapore. OpenAI claims the employee also presented its product plans to Apple's vice president of operations in Asia months ago.
OpenAI expresses concern that its confidential information is now within Apple, citing the recent launch of Apple's $299 smart display, HomeView, as evidence of Apple's entry into AI products.
Apple, however, refutes these claims. In a response letter, Apple's lawyers state that the phone numbers mentioned in the filing do not match the employee's work number and that no OpenAI files were found on their servers. Apple argues that OpenAI initiated legal action instead of responding to their inquiries.
The dispute originated in July when Apple sued OpenAI, alleging that former employees, including Chang Liu and Tang Tan, took hardware secrets. OpenAI has since disputed Apple's account.
OpenAI seeks a schedule to investigate the matter and potentially file counterclaims later. US District Judge Edward Davila expressed a high likelihood of granting Apple's request for a preliminary injunction, leading to an agreement where OpenAI won't use the alleged trade secrets while the case progresses.
The case is expected to go to trial in October 2027, with the possibility of being resolved by June 2027.
By Ana-Maria Stanciuc, Editor-in-Chief, TNW
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As the Editor-in-Chief at TNW, Ana-Maria Stanciuc focuses on technology as a force for influence, persuasion, and change, covering startups, venture capital, digital policy, and the European tech ecosystem. With over a decade of experience in journalism, content strategy, and digital publishing, she has worked with various industries, from SaaS to hospitality, art, and culture.