OpenAI Asks Judge to Dismiss Apple's Trade Secrets Lawsuit

OpenAI has urged a federal judge to dismiss Apple's lawsuit alleging the AI company stole trade secrets, describing the claims as "meritless." OpenAI's legal team contends Apple's allegations misconstrue the actions of its employees, with no intention of using any confidential material from Apple. The company defends Tang Yew Tan, a former Apple hardware chief who co-founded io Products with Jony Ive and later joined OpenAI, stating Tan followed standard industry recruiting practices.

OpenAI also asserts senior systems engineer Chang Liu's involvement in the case is justified, as Liu assisted a former Apple colleague in locating work-related information. Apple claims Liu unlawfully accessed confidential hardware files, but OpenAI refutes these allegations, asserting Liu was merely helping a former colleague with their work.

OpenAI maintains it does not seek Apple's confidential data, as it is engaged in creating something entirely new and distinct from Apple's offerings. The lawsuit highlights a breakdown in communication between Apple and OpenAI, which started as a partnership to integrate ChatGPT into Siri. OpenAI argues Apple's own security practices, such as allowing staff to use personal accounts for work, contributed to former employees retaining system access, not evidence of a coordinated theft.

OpenAI's filing emphasizes Apple's attempts to cover up internal issues, citing multiple instances of incorrect information relayed by Apple's outside counsel. The judge is scheduled to hear arguments on October 1, with Apple seeking a preliminary injunction to halt OpenAI's alleged use of trade secrets and expedited discovery of potential witnesses.