Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft
Apple lawsuit over OpenAI trade secrets spotlights a major hardware dispute See how the fight could impact AI partnerships, iPhone features, and damages
Apple has filed a federal lawsuit in Northern California accusing OpenAI of stealing trade secrets and confidential information to help develop its own consumer hardware. The complaint says the alleged misuse involved current and former Apple employees and was coordinated across multiple levels of OpenAI.
According to Apple, OpenAI’s hardware chief Tang Tan, a former Apple executive, and former employee Chang Liu are among those named in the suit. Apple also claims OpenAI used interviews and departure processes to obtain confidential material and that one former employee took an Apple laptop.
The dispute marks a sharp turn in the companies’ relationship after their 2024 partnership brought ChatGPT into the iPhone operating system. Apple is seeking damages and an injunction, while OpenAI said it does not use other companies’ trade secrets.