Apple says more ex-employees may have taken confidential data to OpenAI

Apple is intensifying its legal battle against OpenAI, alleging that additional former employees of Apple may have played a role in the theft of confidential data. In a recent motion for a preliminary injunction, Apple seeks expedited discovery from both former Apple employees, Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan, as well as OpenAI and its associated entities.

The tech giant claims there are 11 more former Apple employees who could be witnesses or involved in the case, alongside those previously named in the original complaint, such as OpenAI employee Yu-Ting Peng. Apple asserts that some of these former employees met with Liu and Peng before their respective interviews at OpenAI, discussing Apple's proprietary information on unannounced products or devices.

Moreover, Apple alleges that multiple former Apple employees now working at OpenAI have reached out to discuss returning Apple-issued work devices they kept when they left the company. OpenAI has responded to Apple's allegations, stating that the request for a preliminary injunction is "both based on false information and completely unnecessary" since Apple does not possess or desire any of its trade secrets.

The AI model maker also counters Apple's claims, pointing to previous mistakes made by Apple, including contacting the wrong individual and allegedly lying about discussions with Apple's general counsel. Furthermore, OpenAI claims that Apple did not admit to using poor security procedures that resulted in 'residual access' for former employees.