Home / Technology / OpenAI Accuses Ex-Worker of Stealing Hardware Secrets for Apple
OpenAI Accuses Ex-Worker of Stealing Hardware Secrets for Apple
16 Oct
Summary
- OpenAI claims ex-employee transferred over 100 confidential hardware files.
- The complaint stems from an ongoing lawsuit initiated by Apple.
- Apple recently unveiled its own new AI-powered hardware.
OpenAI has levied accusations against a former employee, alleging the transfer of over 100 confidential files concerning unreleased hardware to Apple. This individual, who had previously worked at Apple, allegedly moved top-secret information to a personal account during a six-month tenure at OpenAI before returning to Apple.
The complaint is situated within a broader legal context, as Apple had originally sued OpenAI and two ex-Apple employees over similar trade secret issues. In its response, OpenAI detailed the alleged transfer of proprietary engineering and manufacturing data, supplier specifics, and even a presentation on OpenAI's product roadmap to senior Apple executives.
OpenAI expresses significant concern regarding its hardware ventures and Apple's concurrent introduction of AI-powered devices. Despite direct communication with Apple, OpenAI reportedly did not receive satisfactory assurances, prompting the current legal action. The company seeks judicial determination on whether its confidential information reached Apple and if further legal steps are warranted.
Apple has stated that it has policies in place to prevent new employees from utilizing confidential information from previous employers and has found no evidence to support OpenAI's claims. This legal friction is particularly relevant following Apple's recent unveiling of AI-driven smart home products, including the HomeView display. The ongoing legal proceedings between both tech giants continue, with mutual accusations regarding the handling of confidential information.
