Apple sues OpenAI, accusing ChatGPT maker of stealing trade secrets

Apple has filed a lawsuit against ChatGPT maker OpenAI and two of its executives, accusing them of stealing the tech giant's trade secrets to gain an advantage in the artificial intelligence race. The civil suit, lodged in the Northern District of California, alleges that former Apple employees Tang Tan and Chang Liu misappropriated proprietary information to aid OpenAI in developing its own hardware.

The complaint asserts that OpenAI engaged in a "coordinated pattern of misconduct at an institutional level." It states, "This case is about Apple's former employees stealing Apple's trade secrets for the benefit of OpenAI. Apple brings this suit to put a stop to it."

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This case is about Apple's former employees stealing Apple's trade secrets for the benefit of OpenAI. Apple brings this suit to put a stop to it.

Tan, who worked at Apple for over two decades, was involved in designing key products like the iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPod. Liu, a former Apple electrical engineer of eight years, allegedly had access to sensitive product development information. An Apple spokesperson affirmed the company's commitment to defending its innovations and taking appropriate measures.

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Rotten to its core

OpenAI has not yet responded to requests for comment. While the company has not disclosed details about its hardware products, it has indicated research into new AI interaction methods beyond traditional interfaces. The lawsuit claims OpenAI's nascent hardware business is "rotten to its core by its illegal reliance on misappropriated trade secrets."

Apple also stated it had attempted to discuss the allegations with OpenAI but received no response. The suit contends that legal action and discovery are necessary to expose and address the alleged pervasive theft of Apple's trade secrets.

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This lawsuit and the discovery process are needed to expose and begin to remedy the pervasive theft of Apple's trade secrets.