Apple Files Lawsuit Against OpenAI and Former Executives Over Alleged Trade Secret Theft

Apple Inc. (AAPL) has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against two former senior executives, Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan, as well as OpenAI Foundation, OpenAI Group PBC, and io Products LLC. The legal action alleges breach of contract and the misappropriation of trade secrets.

According to the complaint, Liu, a former Senior System Electrical Engineer, and Tan, a former Vice President of Product Design for iPhone and Apple Watch, allegedly misappropriated confidential data to accelerate OpenAI’s hardware development. Apple claims that Liu retained a corporate laptop and exploited a network vulnerability to access and download secret files concerning unreleased products. Meanwhile, Tan, who currently serves as OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer, is accused of utilizing Apple’s proprietary supplier data and product blueprints to recruit talent and advance OpenAI’s hardware initiatives.

The filing further asserts that OpenAI engaged in a coordinated effort to acquire Apple’s intellectual property—specifically manufacturing techniques and supplier relationships—through its acquisition of io Products. Apple contends that OpenAI’s hardware division is fundamentally compromised due to its reliance on this stolen information.

Apple stated that it attempted to address these concerns with OpenAI earlier this year, but the lack of a response led to the current litigation. The company is seeking damages and a permanent injunction to prevent the further misuse of its trade secrets.

Source link