Apple Accuses Former Employee of Sharing Trade Secrets With OpenAI

Apple has submitted new evidence in its lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that a former employee used confidential company information after joining OpenAI.

The filing comes after legal counsel for former Apple employee Chang Liu provided his previous Apple work laptop for review. Apple claims the device contained evidence supporting allegations that company trade secrets were accessed and used after Liu left the company.

Apple Claims Former Employee Used Confidential Information

According to Apple’s court filing, the company alleges that Liu used a confidential Apple circuit schematic while working at OpenAI and referenced a tool named after an internal Apple engineering application.

Apple also claims OpenAI was aware of Liu’s access to Apple information and alleges Liu worked with OpenAI colleague Yu-Ting Peng to destroy evidence after learning about Apple’s investigation.

The company is seeking a preliminary injunction that would prevent OpenAI from developing hardware based on Apple technology while the case continues. Apple is also requesting expedited discovery, arguing that additional former employees may be involved.

OpenAI Disputes Apple’s Allegations

OpenAI has defended Liu, saying he accessed Apple files only after leaving the company to assist former colleagues who requested help. The company argued that Apple’s claims involve a broader issue with managing employee access after departures.

OpenAI said that Apple was incorrectly characterising the situation and argued that former employees retaining access to systems can result from internal access management issues.

Apple, however, claims Liu maintained access by exploiting what it described as a previously unknown authentication vulnerability.

Dispute Expands as AI Hardware Competition Grows

Apple’s initial filing said more than 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI. The lawsuit is part of a broader dispute over intellectual property as technology companies invest heavily in AI-powered hardware and software.

The latest evidence remains partially confidential due to court redactions. The legal process will determine whether Apple’s allegations are supported and whether further restrictions are placed on OpenAI during the case.