Apple sues OpenAI over alleged organized hardware secrets theft

Apple and OpenAI, once partners, are now on opposite sides of a courtroom fight. Apple is suing OpenAI, its hardware chief Tang Tan, and former Apple engineer Chang Liu, accusing the three of an organized effort to steal Apple's hardware trade secrets for OpenAI's own hardware development.

In the lawsuit, Apple claims OpenAI encouraged Apple employees to provide unreleased product information, parts, and design drawings during job interviews. Employees who were preparing to jump to OpenAI were allegedly instructed to keep their plans secret, so Apple couldn't revoke their internal access before they left.

Liu, who joined OpenAI in January, allegedly downloaded dozens of confidential files before departing, including unreleased product materials, technical specifications, and project data.

Tan, now OpenAI's hardware chief, previously worked on the iPhone and other Apple hardware. Apple accuses all three of coordinating to funnel its trade secrets into OpenAI's hardware push.