Apple claims that even more ex-employees may have given trade secrets to OpenAI

Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, requesting expedited discovery to uncover further evidence of misconduct. The tech giant claims that additional former employees may have provided trade secrets to OpenAI. According to a report by TechCrunch, Apple seeks a preliminary injunction to halt OpenAI's development of devices suspected to be based on Apple's technology.

Apple had previously accused Chang Liu, a former senior system electrical engineer, and Tang Yew Tan, a former VP, of sharing confidential information. Now, an internal investigation has reportedly revealed 11 other former employees who might have been involved. This evidence, combined with the request for expedited discovery, suggests Apple has new information pointing to potential misconduct.

One former employee allegedly met with Chang Liu before an interview at OpenAI, discussing Apple's proprietary information related to unannounced products. Another former employee took screenshots of confidential Apple documents before an interview at OpenAI. Furthermore, multiple former Apple employees now working at OpenAI have reached out to discuss returning their work devices.

OpenAI has responded by stating that Apple's request for a preliminary injunction is "based on false information and completely unnecessary." The company published text messages involving Chang Liu, which allegedly show Apple employees seeking the location of certain files after his departure from the company. OpenAI claims this is evidence of Apple's failure to properly manage system access when employees leave.

The lawsuit also names io Products, a startup founded by former Apple design luminary Jony Ive, as a co-defendant. OpenAI recently acquired the company for $6.5 billion.