Apple Fires Back at OpenAI's Bid to Toss Trade Secrets Suit

Apple has rejected OpenAI's motion to dismiss its trade secrets lawsuit, arguing that the move is based on flawed reasoning, according to a new court filing. Apple's lawsuit, filed in July, claims that OpenAI stole confidential product information from former employees who later joined OpenAI. OpenAI's recent filing argues that Apple did not properly identify what constitutes a protectable trade secret in its initial complaint.

However, Apple's 32-page response counters this argument and asserts that OpenAI's dismissal motion should be dismissed because it deals with factual disputes that should be addressed during the discovery phase rather than at the motion stage. Apple's filing cites the Ninth Circuit's 2025 Quintara decision to support its stance that trade secrets do not need to be disclosed until after evidence has been presented.

The company also emphasizes that revealing its trade secrets in a public filing could risk disclosing sensitive information. Apple's response also highlights that OpenAI relied on evidence that cannot be considered at this stage of the case and points out that the judge should only evaluate the complaint. Apple's opposition brief is set to be heard by Judge Edward J. Davila on October 1.