OpenAI Challenges Apple’s Trade Secret Lawsuit as Legal Dispute Escalates

OpenAI has formally responded to Apple’s trade secret lawsuit, rejecting the allegations and stating that it has not seen evidence supporting the claims made in the complaint. The company’s statement marks its first direct response to the lawsuit, in which Apple accused the artificial intelligence company and several former Apple employees of misusing confidential information and intellectual property.

In a statement first shared by Bloomberg reporter Ed Ludlow on X, OpenAI said it takes the allegations seriously but does not believe the complaint has merit. The company added that it supports fair competition, believes people should be free to work wherever they choose and remains focused on developing technology that empowers users. The response follows an earlier statement issued shortly after the lawsuit was filed,d in which OpenAI said it had no interest in other companies’ trade secrets.

Apple filed its lawsuit on Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The 41-page complaint alleges that former Apple employees who later joined OpenAI participated in a coordinated effort to obtain confidential information as OpenAI developed its own hardware initiatives. Among those named in the complaint is Tang Tan, OpenAI’s chief hardware officer, who previously spent 24 years at Apple and held senior leadership roles, including vice president of product design for the iPhone and Apple Watch.

According to Apple’s complaint, an internal investigation uncovered evidence that OpenAI and its partners used the company’s confidential information while developing future hardware products. OpenAI has disputed those claims, saying it is unaware of evidence supporting Apple’s allegations. The legal dispute represents a significant confrontation between two of the technology industry’s most prominent companies as competition in artificial intelligence hardware intensifies.

Recent reports have suggested that OpenAI is pursuing its own consumer hardware strategy. The company’s acquisition of Jony Ive’s startup, Io, has fueled expectations that OpenAI plans to introduce devices specifically designed for AI-powered interactions. Apple referenced those broader hardware efforts in its lawsuit, arguing that OpenAI’s work could compete directly with Apple’s existing business.

Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that OpenAI is developing a mobile, screen-free smart speaker intended to function as a “humanlike AI companion” for use in the home. According to the report, the device is expected to feature moving mechanical components instead of a traditional display. It is being developed with contributions from several former Apple engineers who previously worked on products including the iPhone and Mac.

OpenAI has not publicly addressed details of its reported hardware plans beyond responding to Apple’s legal claims. The lawsuit will proceed through the federal court process as both companies continue expanding their efforts in artificial intelligence and next-generation consumer technology.