OpenAI fires back, says Apple is suing because it can't compete

Apple and OpenAI are engaged in a legal dispute over alleged trade secrets theft. OpenAI recently filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that Apple's complaint was "filed without adequate investigation" and that it framed "ordinary conduct" out of context. Apple, on the other hand, is seeking a preliminary injunction in the case, which is set to be heard on October 1.

The lawsuit could potentially drag on for years. OpenAI contends that Apple has not presented sufficient evidence to prove the existence of tangible trade secrets or to prove any improper conduct. The company also argues that Apple's examples of former employees discussing confidential information were mischaracterized. OpenAI points to iMessage conversations that show that Chang Liu, a named individual in the suit, was asked by Apple employees to retrieve information, not to do so for OpenAI's benefit.

Apple, in its motion to dismiss, claims that Tan, a former Apple VP, retained a document describing Apple's offboarding procedures, which allegedly helped him evade security checks when recruiting Apple employees. OpenAI counters that Tan used the information to ensure that new hires strictly followed Apple's offboarding process to prevent misconduct.

The outcome of the legal proceedings remains uncertain at this stage, but it is clear that both companies are not interested in settling the case at the moment.