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Apple has filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI and two former employees, accusing the artificial intelligence company of orchestrating a coordinated effort to steal Apple's trade secrets to advance its own consumer hardware ambitions. The complaint, filed Friday in a federal court in California, marks a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two tech giants, which partnered in 2024 to integrate ChatGPT into Apple's products.

The lawsuit names Chang Liu, a former senior system electrical engineer, and Tang Yew Tan, a former vice president of product design for the iPhone and Apple Watch, as defendants, along with the OpenAI Foundation, OpenAI Group PBC, and io Products. Apple alleges that both former employees took part in a pattern of theft of confidential product development and related work, as reported by Al Jazeera, BBC World, and Deutsche Welle.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera reported that the complaint alleges a coordinated effort by the two former employees and OpenAI to steal confidential information, including product designs, manufacturing processes, and supply chain strategies. BBC World noted that Apple accused OpenAI of gaining access to "valuable inside information" through the hiring of its former employees and that at least two long-time Apple workers allegedly took part in the pattern of theft. Deutsche Welle highlighted that the lawsuit was filed in a federal court in California and that OpenAI allegedly stole Apple's confidential information to benefit its venture into consumer hardware. South China Morning Post reported that the lawsuit was filed in a federal court in San Jose, California, and that Apple and OpenAI had partnered in 2024 to integrate ChatGPT into Apple's products, a relationship that has since deteriorated.

The lawsuit represents a significant shift in relations between the two companies, which had previously collaborated on AI features. According to South China Morning Post, the relationship has deteriorated since the partnership began.

Key Claims

  • Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, two former employees, and io Products, alleging misappropriation of trade secrets.
  • The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in California, with South China Morning Post specifying San Jose as the venue.
  • Apple alleges that Chang Liu failed to return a company-issued work laptop and used an authentication bug to access Apple's internal network, downloading "dozens of Apple's confidential hardware-related files."
  • Apple claims that Tang Yew Tan, now OpenAI's chief hardware officer, emailed himself information about Apple suppliers and internal industry summaries before his departure.
  • The complaint further alleges that Tan encouraged Apple employees to bring parts to job interviews at OpenAI for "show and tell" sessions.
  • Apple's 41-page complaint states: "At every level, from members of its Technical Staff to its Chief Hardware Officer, and in coordination with business partners, OpenAI has been stealing Apple's trade secrets and confidential information."
  • OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment, as reported by Al Jazeera. A spokesman for OpenAI told BBC World that the company has "no interest in other companies' trade secrets" and is reviewing Apple's complaint.
  • An Apple spokesman told BBC World that the lawsuit is the result of "significant evidence."
  • OpenAI acquired io Products, the design startup founded by Jony Ive, last year in a $6.5bn deal, as reported by Al Jazeera and Deutsche Welle.
  • South China Morning Post reported that Bloomberg had previously noted OpenAI was considering legal action against Apple over the ChatGPT integration, though this detail came from a cited Bloomberg report within the text.
  • OpenAI is expected to release its first hardware product this month, a claim carried by BBC World.

Perspectives

Apple – In its complaint, Apple describes a "coordinated effort" and a "pattern of theft" by OpenAI and its former employees, stating that it brings the suit "to put a stop to it." An Apple spokesman told the BBC that the lawsuit is based on "significant evidence."

OpenAI – A spokesman for OpenAI told the BBC: "We have no interest in other companies' trade secrets." He added that the company, which is reviewing Apple's complaint, is "focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere."