Apple files lawsuit accusing OpenAI of misappropriating trade secrets
Apple has sued OpenAI in federal court, alleging that the AI firm stole confidential information and proprietary technology as it prepares to develop its own consumer hardware.
Apple filed a complaint in a Northern California federal court on Friday, accusing OpenAI of stealing trade secrets and confidential information to support its hardware ambitions. The filing alleges that OpenAI officials, including its chief hardware officer Tang Tan, solicited current Apple employees to bring proprietary components to interviews and coached departing staff on bypassing Apple’s security procedures. The suit also names former Apple employee Chang Liu, who allegedly took an Apple laptop, and the startup IO Products, founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, as defendants.
Apple claims the alleged misconduct involves the use of Apple-developed metal-finishing techniques and other unreleased technologies. The company is seeking monetary damages, injunctive relief and an order requiring OpenAI to cease using the purported trade secrets.
The legal action follows a 2024 partnership that integrated ChatGPT into Apple’s iPhone operating system, a collaboration highlighted by a visit from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to Apple’s headquarters. Relations have reportedly cooled after OpenAI announced plans to enter the hardware market, including the acquisition of IO Products for $6.4 billion. Apple’s upcoming Siri update will rely on Google’s Gemini AI rather than ChatGPT.
An Apple spokesperson told CNBC that “significant evidence has emerged suggesting individuals employed by OpenAI wrongfully took Apple’s secret and confidential information regarding our unreleased technologies, processes, and products.” OpenAI has not disclosed details about its hardware products, though its CEO said prototypes were completed in November. Apple did not comment on the potential impact of the lawsuit on the existing ChatGPT integration.