OpenAI alleges former employee took files on unreleased device to Apple

OpenAI has accused a former employee who recently returned to Apple of stealing over 100 confidential files containing information about an unreleased device, according to a legal filing submitted on Wednesday, reported Anadolu Ajansi, citing The Wall Street Journal. The documents allegedly stolen include engineering and manufacturing data, supplier information, and internal project documents, as stated by The Wall Street Journal.

The former employee is claimed to have sent some of these files to himself shortly after midnight on June 2, his final day at OpenAI following a six-month stint, before joining Apple where he had previously worked. The filing alleges that the former employee also shared OpenAI's product plans with Apple executives, including a vice president of operations in Asia.

OpenAI contends that this information may have aided Apple's progress in developing AI-powered products, such as smart home devices announced by Apple on Tuesday. Apple has firmly rejected these allegations, stating it found no evidence to support OpenAI's claims. The company also noted that OpenAI did not respond to Apple's requests for further information to assist its investigation.

Additionally, Apple accused OpenAI of attempting to divert attention from evidence suggesting that Apple's confidential information was taken by employees who had left for OpenAI.