Apple Seeks Injunction in Trade Secrets Case Against OpenAI

Apple has escalated its trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI by asking a court for a preliminary injunction that would prevent the artificial intelligence company from developing AI devices or other products that allegedly rely on Apple’s confidential technology. The iPhone maker also claims its internal investigation has uncovered evidence suggesting additional former employees may have been involved in the alleged misuse of proprietary information.

In a new court filing, Apple requested expedited discovery involving OpenAI, its affiliated foundation, io, the hardware startup co-founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, and two previously identified former Apple employees, senior systems engineer Chang Liu and Chief Hardware Officer Tang Yew Tan.

Apple said its ongoing investigation has identified 11 additional former employees who may have served as witnesses or played a role in the alleged trade secrets theft. The filing also references OpenAI employee Yu-Ting Peng, who had already been named in Apple’s original complaint.

Apple alleges broader pattern of misconduct

According to the filing, Apple believes newly discovered evidence suggests the alleged misconduct extended beyond the individuals originally named in the lawsuit. The company claims one former Apple employee met with Liu and Peng before Peng interviewed with OpenAI and discussed confidential information relating to unannounced Apple products.

Apple also alleges another former employee captured screenshots of confidential documents about an unreleased Apple product before interviewing with OpenAI. In addition, the company claims that after the lawsuit was filed, several former Apple employees now working at OpenAI contacted Apple about returning company-issued work devices they had retained after leaving the company.

Apple argues these developments justify expedited discovery because they provide good cause to believe additional individuals may have participated in the alleged theft of intellectual property. The company noted that its request for a preliminary injunction remains pending before the court.

OpenAI rejectsApple’ss allegations

OpenAI responded publicly in a blog post, describingApple’ss request for a preliminary injunction as both unnecessary and based on false information. The company said it neither possesses nor wants Apple’s trade secrets and remains focused on developing its own products and technologies.

OpenAI also challenged several aspects of Apple’s case, pointing to previously reported mistakes made by Apple during its early communications with the company. According to OpenAI, Apple initially contacted the wrong individual after confusing two similar surnames, incorrectly represented discussions with its general counsel and failed to acknowledge that former employees retained residual access because of Apple’s own internal security procedures.

The latest court filing marks a significant escalation in the legal dispute as both companies continue to present competing accounts over whether confidential Apple information was improperly taken during the recruitment of former employees now working at OpenAI.