OpenAI has publicly rebutted Apple's allegations of trade secret theft, characterizing the lawsuit as "careless, aggressive and oddly personal." The artificial intelligence firm stated that it does not possess, nor does it desire, any of Apple's confidential information. Apple's lawsuit, filed on July 10, accused OpenAI and two former Apple employees, Chang Liu and Tang Tan, of systematically stealing proprietary information related to upcoming hardware products.
In its detailed response, published on August 3, OpenAI presented internal communications, including iMessage chats and emails, which it claims support its position. The company asserted that Apple's initial attempt to contact OpenAI about these concerns in February was flawed. According to OpenAI, Apple's outside legal counsel mistakenly emailed the wrong individual after confusing two Asian last names. OpenAI stated that Apple's legal team only acknowledged this error after OpenAI brought it to their attention. Furthermore, OpenAI claims Apple had previously indicated they were "resolving any issues" after a discussion with OpenAI's General Counsel, but then remained silent for five months until filing the lawsuit.
Regarding the accusations against Chang Liu, a former Apple engineer who joined OpenAI in January, OpenAI contends that Apple employees, not Liu, initiated contact to ask for his help in locating information. OpenAI suggested this points to Apple's own issues with managing system access for former employees, a problem it described as common within Apple. The company published iMessages that Liu reportedly sent to Apple employees on his last day and after his departure, where he offered assistance with copying information.
OpenAI also defended Tang Tan, who served Apple for over 24 years before becoming OpenAI's chief hardware officer. The company stated that Tan has consistently made it clear to his team that they should not seek or use confidential information from other companies. Apple had alleged that Tan attempted to acquire and use trade secrets.
Apple had sought a preliminary injunction to prevent OpenAI from using any alleged stolen trade secrets and to compel the return of confidential information. The iPhone maker argued that irreparable harm would occur if its trade secrets were used or spread within OpenAI's products and operations. OpenAI countered that Apple's request for an injunction is unnecessary and based on inaccurate information, asserting its focus remains on developing innovative technology.
The legal dispute unfolds as OpenAI prepares to launch its first AI hardware device and has hired more than 400 former Apple employees. OpenAI has stated its willingness to work with Apple to resolve the issues before the lawsuit was filed. Apple's lawsuit was filed after a period of growing tension, exacerbated by OpenAI enlisting former Apple design executive Jony Ive. OpenAI has stated its willingness to work with Apple to resolve the issues before the lawsuit was filed. Apple's lawsuit was filed after a period of growing tension, exacerbated by OpenAI enlisting former Apple design executive Jony Ive. OpenAI has until August 17 to file a formal response to Apple's motion for a preliminary injunction.