Apple Says Former Engineer Used Stolen Trade Secrets at OpenAI, Taught AI Agent to Run Them

Apple has filed additional evidence in its lawsuit against OpenAI, aiming to secure an accelerated discovery process. The company filed a theft of trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Tang Tan in July, alleging the duo used various methods to steal Apple's data. Liu is known to have retained an Apple-issued MacBook after leaving OpenAI, which Apple recovered following the lawsuit's filing.

Forensic analysis of the laptop has revealed further evidence of Liu's unauthorized use of Apple information and his efforts to conceal his actions. Liu not only downloaded a confidential Apple circuit schematic but also employed it in his work at OpenAI; he and others at OpenAI were aware of this unauthorized access to Apple's third-party cloud storage.

Upon learning of Apple's internal investigation, Liu instructed an OpenAI colleague to destroy evidence, who confirmed compliance. Additionally, Liu utilized a tool bearing the same name as an internal Apple engineering application used for development work. Liu downloaded the circuit schematic from Apple in March, two months after his departure from the company.

He used the schematic to run simulations with the electrical engineering tool LTspice and communicated with others about running the simulation for power conversion development work. Liu also claimed he taught an AI agent to run LTspice and adjust compensation parameters. Apple is seeking to investigate the "Mac mini" and other devices Liu still possesses.

The company asserts that the evidence uncovered is proof that its trade secrets are actively being used and are at risk of being destroyed, necessitating expedited discovery. Initially, Apple requested expedited discovery earlier this month and requested an injunction to prevent OpenAI from utilizing its trade secrets. OpenAI countered the lawsuit, calling the accusations "meritless" and stating it has no trade secrets and is focused on developing innovative products and technologies. The case is scheduled for arguments on October 1.