Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI reveals extraordinary allegations of trade secret theft
Apple has filed a 41-page complaint against OpenAI, alleging a coordinated effort to steal trade secrets through current and former employees, including instructions to bring Apple parts to interviews and methods to evade security procedures.
Apple filed a 41-page trade secret lawsuit against OpenAI on Friday, packed with extraordinary allegations that paint a picture of a systematic effort to extract confidential information from Apple employees. The complaint describes a culture at OpenAI where misconduct is normalized and even led from the top, with Apple calling the AI firm "rotten to its core."
One of the most striking allegations involves Chang Liu, a former Apple senior systems electrical engineer who joined OpenAI. According to the complaint, Liu sent a message to an Apple employee saying, "LOL, I found out I can access the [network storage], so funny." Apple claims Liu exploited an authentication bug to access Apple systems from a former colleague's work computer, and later texted "I still have another computer" hours after leaving Apple.
Apple also alleges that OpenAI directed job candidates who were still Apple employees to bring "actual parts" from Apple to their interviews for "show and tell sessions." One candidate expressed surprise that Apple parts could be taken out of the office. Additionally, OpenAI reportedly coached departing employees on how to avoid Apple's security procedures, including the "dreaded walkout" that immediately cuts off access upon resignation.
The complaint reveals that over 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI, suggesting a scale of potential misappropriation. Apple further alleges that io, a company founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive and acquired by OpenAI for $6.5 billion, used Apple's confidential metal-finishing techniques by misleading an Apple partner.
Apple says it first tried to contact OpenAI in February with its concerns but received no response. OpenAI's only public comment came via a statement on X, saying, "We have no interest in other companies' trade secrets. We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere."
