Apple Files Lawsuit Against OpenAI and Former Employees Over Trade Secret Theft

Apple has filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Northern District of California against OpenAI, the OpenAI Foundation, io Products, and two former employees, Chang Liu and Tang Tan. The lawsuit, filed on July 11, 2026, alleges that OpenAI used misappropriated proprietary information to accelerate its development of consumer hardware. Specific allegations include Chang Liu using unauthorized network access to download confidential files and Tang Tan emailing proprietary supplier information to himself before departing Apple.

The legal action highlights growing tensions in the AI industry, specifically regarding the movement of talent between competitors. Apple noted that over 400 former employees now work at OpenAI, raising concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive data. The lawsuit also claims OpenAI solicited confidential information from Apple's suppliers, including one instance involving a unique metal finishing technique.

This legal battle occurs despite an existing partnership where Apple integrates OpenAI's ChatGPT into its ecosystem via Siri. While OpenAI's acquisition of io Products is mentioned in the suit, founder Jony Ive is not named as a defendant. The case underscores the intense competition for dominance in the market for AI-integrated consumer devices.

(Source：The Csr Journal)