OpenAI fires back at Apple, publishing private emails to counter trade-secret claims

OpenAI has responded fiercely to Apple's lawsuit, presenting a counterargument backed by private emails and messages. Apple had accused OpenAI, its hardware subsidiary io Products, and two former Apple employees of stealing trade secrets. The lawsuit, filed last month, also alleged a former employee used a security bug, encouraged job candidates to bring Apple hardware to interviews, and normalized such conduct.

OpenAI's blog post, however, highlighted potential flaws in Apple's claims and legal process, aiming to sway public opinion. The company accused Apple's outside lawyers of sending communications to the wrong person due to a mix-up with "two Asian last names," and claimed a purported conversation with Apple's general counsel never took place.

OpenAI argued Apple never raised these specific allegations initially; instead, Apple informed OpenAI about "resolving any issues" but only sued later. OpenAI countered that Apple's employees, not Apple itself, reached out to Chang Liu (former Apple engineer) and Tang Tan (former design executive) before his departure on Jan. 22.

OpenAI also argued that the emails show OpenAI responded to Apple's outreach, and any communication breakdown was due to Apple's outside counsel. The escalating feud between the two tech giants, both entering competitive product arenas, highlights the shift from collaboration to competition. Apple, in a recent motion for a preliminary injunction, sought to halt the alleged trade secret theft and warned of irreparable harm if OpenAI and the former employees continued to use or disseminate its confidential information.