Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its hardware chief for supposedly orchestrating a scheme to steal details about upcoming products. The tech giant claimed that OpenAI pressured Apple employees to disclose information, designs, and components related to future products. Tang Tan, OpenAI’s hardware head and a former Apple executive, was accused of encouraging employees to reveal Apple’s upcoming product details during job interviews.
The lawsuit, lodged in the Northern District of California, also implicated Chang Liu, a former iPhone hardware engineer, for allegedly providing confidential Apple materials to OpenAI. Apple alleged that Liu illicitly accessed numerous detailed files about unreleased products and engineering presentations. The company further accused OpenAI of coaching its employees on how to manage their exits to retain access to secret files.
OpenAI refuted the allegations, emphasizing its focus on developing innovative technology rather than seeking other companies’ trade secrets. Despite previously collaborating closely, tensions between Apple and OpenAI escalated over the past year, exacerbated by OpenAI’s recruitment of former Apple design leader Jony Ive. OpenAI reportedly attracted about 400 Apple employees just before its public offering, intensifying the rift between the companies.
Apple demanded that OpenAI eliminate any proprietary materials and redesign forthcoming products to remove any copied technology.
