Apple has escalated its trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, now seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the AI model developer from creating an AI device or other products that leverage Apple's proprietary technology. The Cupertino-based tech giant additionally alleges that a greater number of its former employees may be implicated in the misappropriation of these trade secrets.
A recent legal filing from Apple requests expedited discovery from several parties: accused OpenAI employees Chang Liu, a senior systems engineer, and Tang Yew Tan, Chief Hardware Officer; OpenAI and its affiliated foundation; and io, the device startup co-founded by Apple’s former lead designer, Jony Ive.
Apple's ongoing investigation has reportedly uncovered that 11 additional former employees, beyond Liu and Tan, may have been witnesses or otherwise involved in the alleged misconduct. This expands upon individuals previously named in the initial complaint, such as OpenAI employee Yu-Ting Peng.
This latest filing signifies a notable escalation in Apple's legal challenge against OpenAI, implying that Apple has unearthed new evidence suggesting the alleged misconduct extends beyond the former employees initially identified in the complaint.
The filing details specific instances, stating, "For example, another former Apple employee seems to have met with Mr. Liu and Ms. Peng in advance of Ms. Peng’s interview at OpenAI and discussed with them during that meeting Apple proprietary information relating to unannounced products." It further alleges, "Yet another former Apple employee took screenshots of confidential Apple documents relating to an unannounced Apple product before an interview at OpenAI."
Apple additionally asserts that "after Apple filed its complaint, multiple former Apple employees now working at OpenAI reached out to discuss returning Apple-issued work devices they kept when they left Apple," implying a broader scope of potential involvement in the alleged scheme.
Apple is urging the court to grant expedited discovery, citing a strong belief that it possesses sufficient grounds to suspect the involvement of additional individuals in the theft of its intellectual property. The company also highlighted that its motion for a preliminary injunction remains pending.
OpenAI publicly addressed Apple's latest claims, stating in a blog post that Apple's request for a preliminary injunction is "both based on false information and completely unnecessary because we do not have, nor want, any of their trade secrets."
OpenAI's statement emphasized its core mission, asserting, "We’re much more interested in building innovative products and technologies that push the frontier."
The AI model developer further highlighted previous reported errors by Apple, including an instance where Apple reportedly emailed the incorrect individual during its initial contact with OpenAI, mistaking two similar surnames. OpenAI also alleges that Apple misrepresented discussions with its general counsel and failed to acknowledge that "residual access" allowing former employees to access Apple's systems resulted from Apple's own inadequate security procedures.
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