OpenAI claims ex-employee took 100-plus secret files to Apple
An OpenAI employee of just six months reportedly took hardware secrets to Apple – and the complaint couldn't be more timely.
OpenAI claims an ex-employee took over 100 confidential files containing details about unreleased hardware to Apple. The accusation is part of an ongoing lawsuit where Apple previously sued OpenAI and two former Apple employees for similar trade secrets violations. Apple recently unveiled new AI-powered hardware, including the HomeView display.
OpenAI accused the former employee of transferring top-secret files to a personal account and later returning to work at Apple after a six-month stint between two separate periods at Apple. The transfer allegedly included detailed hardware images, confidential engineering and manufacturing information, supplier details, and a presentation about OpenAI's product plans to senior Apple executives.
OpenAI is concerned about its hardware and AI ventures competing with Apple's, but after raising concerns directly with Apple, they did not receive the reassurances they sought. OpenAI seeks court determination on whether their confidential information reached Apple and if there are grounds for further legal action. Apple maintains policies to prevent employees from using confidential information from previous employers and has found no evidence supporting OpenAI's allegations.
The case comes at a time when Apple announced smart home products, including the AI-powered HomeView display. The legal dispute between the two tech giants continues, with both facing each other's accusations regarding the handling of confidential information.
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