Apple sues OpenAI for stealing trade secrets

Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in a U.S. federal court in California, accusing several employees of stealing trade secrets, including unreleased products, parts, and supplier relationships. The lawsuit says Tang Tan, a former Apple designer now leading hardware at OpenAI, and Chang Liu, a former Apple engineer, asked Apple employees interviewing at OpenAI to share confidential information.

Apple claims Tang Tan used his knowledge of the exit process to help employees secretly pass information and gave OpenAI important details about Apple's supply chain. OpenAI also coached new hires on how to avoid detection when leaving Apple, like not telling anyone they were joining OpenAI. Apple's investigation found that many employees who moved to OpenAI had a pattern of bypassing security measures and taking confidential data.

OpenAI also used Apple's confidential information when talking to Apple's suppliers. Chang Liu kept his Apple laptop after leaving and downloaded dozens of confidential files using a system loophole. Apple is asking the court to block OpenAI from using or sharing the technology and to pay compensation.