OpenAI Accuses Ex-Employee of Passing Secrets to Apple as Trade Fight Intensifies

OpenAI and Apple are locked in an increasingly bitter fight over OpenAI Apple trade secrets, and a new court filing from OpenAI has added a fresh layer of accusation. The company told the court that an unnamed former employee shared sensitive product information with Apple, according to the filing submitted today.

The former employee had previously worked at Apple, joined OpenAI, and then returned to Apple after roughly six months. During that time, according to OpenAI, the person sent more than 100 confidential files to personal accounts. Those files reportedly included manufacturing data and images of an unreleased product.

What OpenAI Alleges

OpenAI’s filing goes beyond the files themselves. The company claims the ex-employee presented OpenAI product plans to Apple leadership months ago. OpenAI is concerned that Apple engineers could use that information to shape upcoming products, particularly in the AI device space. OpenAI says it raised these concerns directly with Apple but did not receive assurances that Apple does not possess or intend to use the secrets.

As a result, OpenAI is asking the court for permission to investigate the matter and pursue counterclaims. The company has repeatedly said it does not have or want Apple’s trade secrets, and it has characterized Apple’s original lawsuit as careless, aggressive and oddly personal.

Apple’s Response

Apple pushed back firmly. In a statement to Reuters, the company said it has found no evidence supporting OpenAI’s claims. Apple also emphasized its internal policies, which it says are designed to ensure that new employees do not bring or use confidential information from previous employers.

The two companies have been in litigation since July, when Apple sued OpenAI over trade secrets. Apple alleges that Chang Liu and Tang Tan stole trade secrets related to AI hardware. OpenAI denies any wrongdoing.

Court Orders and Next Steps

The court has partially granted Apple’s request for expedited discovery. Under that order, OpenAI has two weeks to hand over forensic evidence and interview materials. After that, Liu, Tan and Alyssa Peng must sit for depositions.

During today’s hearing, Judge Edward Davila indicated he is highly likely to grant a preliminary injunction. Such an injunction would bar OpenAI from using any Apple secrets that Apple alleges were stolen. Bloomberg noted that the injunction could set back OpenAI’s hardware development efforts.

Several key questions remain unanswered, including the identity of the unnamed ex-employee, the specific contents of the over 100 files, and whether Apple actually used any of the information. The full details of Apple’s original lawsuit also remain unclear. What is certain is that the legal pressure on OpenAI is mounting, and the next two weeks will be critical.