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Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade-secret theft for upcoming products
The lawsuit says OpenAI encouraged Apple employees to share unreleased product materials, drawings, and components as OpenAI develops its own hardware devices.
Apple Inc. has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Tang Tan, its chief hardware officer, alleging trade secret theft connected to upcoming Apple products. The case was filed in the U.S. Northern District of California, with Apple accusing OpenAI of encouraging Apple employees to share information, components, drawings, and other materials tied to upcoming products.
Apple’s complaint also alleges that Tan, who previously led product design and development at Apple, encouraged employees to provide information during job interviews. Apple further claims the alleged conduct was part of OpenAI’s efforts to build its own suite of devices.
The legal fight highlights a shift in the relationship between the companies, which have worked closely in recent years. Apple says OpenAI has supplied technology for Apple Intelligence and Siri, while tensions have increased over the past year.
Apple also named former iPhone hardware engineer Chang Liu, alleging he accessed and downloaded dozens of Apple confidential hardware related files, including detailed information on unreleased products and engineering materials. In addition, Apple said more than 400 former Apple workers are now at OpenAI.