Home / Technology / Apple Alleges Trade Secret Theft by Ex-Employees at OpenAI
Apple Alleges Trade Secret Theft by Ex-Employees at OpenAI
1 Sep
Summary
- Apple claims ex-employee used confidential schematic at OpenAI.
- Evidence includes a tool sharing a name with an internal Apple app.
- Apple seeks injunction to block OpenAI's hardware work.
Apple has escalated its legal battle against OpenAI by submitting "shocking evidence" to support claims that former employees misappropriated trade secrets. The company alleges that a former Apple employee, Chang Liu, used a confidential circuit schematic and a proprietary tool in his work at OpenAI. This evidence surfaced after Liu's former employer provided his Apple work laptop for investigation.
Further accusations include that Liu enlisted a colleague to destroy evidence when he learned of Apple's investigation. OpenAI has previously argued that Liu's access was residual and a result of Apple's own system management failures. However, Apple contends Liu exploited a rare authentication bug to maintain access.
Apple is pursuing a preliminary injunction to halt OpenAI's hardware development using its technology. The company also seeks expedited discovery, suggesting more former employees may be involved, as over 400 ex-Apple staff are now employed at OpenAI.
