OpenAI has asked a federal judge to dismiss Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit, calling the allegations baseless. The move follows Apple’s request for a preliminary injunction that could restrict OpenAI’s work on AI devices while the case proceeds.
Apple alleges that former employees took confidential information about unannounced hardware products to OpenAI. The company names former iPhone engineer Chang Liu and OpenAI Chief Hardware Officer Tang Tan in its case. Apple also says its internal investigation has identified 11 additional former employees who may have witnessed or participated in events relevant to the lawsuit.
According to Apple’s latest filing, one former employee allegedly discussed proprietary information with Liu and OpenAI employee Yu-Ting Peng before Peng’s job interview. Apple also alleges that another former employee captured screenshots of confidential documents before interviewing with OpenAI. Apple is seeking expedited discovery, a process that would allow it to obtain evidence early.
OpenAI disputes the allegations. In its court filing, the company says Apple has removed ordinary recruiting and employee communications from their context. OpenAI says Liu was helping former Apple colleagues locate information after they contacted him, rather than taking trade secrets for OpenAI.
The dispute comes as OpenAI expands its hardware ambitions with Jony Ive, Apple’s former design chief. Apple’s complaint says OpenAI has hired more than 400 former Apple employees.
A judge has set an Aug. 17 deadline for OpenAI’s formal response to Apple’s injunction request. Arguments on that request are scheduled for Oct. 1 in federal court in San Jose, California.
Sources
- Apple says more ex-employees may have taken confidential data to OpenAI – TechCrunch
- OpenAI Asks Judge to Toss Apple’s Trade Secrets Lawsuit – Bloomberg
Stay up to date
AI for content creation: the latest tools, tips and trends. Every two weeks in your inbox:
