Apple Accuses OpenAI of Using Stolen Trade Secrets

Apple Inc. has escalated a trade secret lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that former Apple engineer Chang Liu used proprietary power converter circuit schematics to train an AI agent. In a recent U.S. federal court filing, Apple claims a MacBook provided by OpenAI on August 21 contains evidence that Liu and other staff knew of his unauthorized access to Apple cloud storage. Apple further alleges that Liu instructed a colleague to destroy evidence of the theft.

OpenAI has moved to dismiss the case, arguing its products are entirely new and that it adhered to industry recruiting standards. The company contends Liu was simply attempting to assist a former colleague when he accessed the data. The lawsuit, originally filed July 10 in the Northern District of California, also names io Products and former Apple Vice President Tang Yew Tan as defendants.

Apple is now seeking monetary damages, an order for OpenAI to stop using the stolen secrets, and expedited discovery proceedings. A judge is scheduled to hear arguments regarding the request for expedited fact-finding on October 1.