OpenAI refutes Apple's trade secret theft claims

OpenAI rejected Apple's accusations of trade secret theft on Monday, claiming Apple had failed to prove any confidential information was taken by former employees Tang Tan and Chang Liu. Apple sued OpenAI and the two former employees in July, alleging they misappropriated trade secrets related to hardware design, manufacturing, and supply-chain operations as OpenAI enters the consumer device market.

OpenAI maintains Apple is attempting to hinder competition and deter employee departures. The AI lab, led by CEO Sam Altman, claims Apple employs roughly 400 former Apple staff for its hardware initiative. California law permits employees to move freely between companies, according to OpenAI. The lawsuit intensified tensions between the companies, which had previously partnered to enhance ChatGPT's reach and bolster Apple's AI position.

Apple argued OpenAI hired former employees to learn its secrets and that they accessed internal files after leaving. OpenAI countered that Apple encouraged staff to use personal iCloud accounts for work documents, making it hard for departing employees to separate personal and company information. Apple also allegedly made it difficult for employees to return devices, return internal files, or transfer responsibilities by immediately escorting them from its premises.

Liu stated any post-departure access to Apple documents was to help former colleagues locate files or answer work-related questions. Tan said he returned Apple prototypes and only kept non-confidential materials, including a departure checklist not considered confidential.