Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade-secret theft and employee poaching
Apple has filed a federal lawsuit accusing OpenAI of hiring former staff, accessing confidential documents and misusing a supplier to obtain proprietary hardware designs, while OpenAI says it has no interest in other companies' trade secrets.
Apple filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging that OpenAI hired former Apple employees who retained company laptops, exploited a security flaw to access internal systems, downloaded confidential files and helped other departing staff evade Apple’s exit checks. The complaint also says OpenAI asked candidates to bring physical components to interviews and used a shared supplier to replicate a proprietary Apple metal-finishing process.
OpenAI responded that it has "no interest" in other companies' trade secrets and remains focused on developing technology for users. The filing, dated July 10, 2026, comes as the two companies, once partners, face heightened scrutiny over talent movement and supply-chain security.
Legal experts noted that California courts rarely enforce non-compete agreements, making trade-secret protection a primary legal tool for companies like Apple. They also highlighted the risk that supply-chain partners could inadvertently transmit proprietary information.
Analysts speculated that the case could be protracted and impact OpenAI’s upcoming IPO, while industry observers pointed to the broader implications for talent-poaching disputes in the tech sector.