Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI accusing the AI company of systematically stealing hardware trade secrets. The complaint centers on Tang Tan, Apple's former head of iPhone product design who now leads OpenAI's hardware division. According to the filing in US District Court in San Jose, OpenAI allegedly encouraged departing Apple employees to bring confidential presentations, secret prototypes, and supplier details.
Tang Tan and the Alleged Unfair Recruitment
The lawsuit claims Tan coached recruits on how to evade Apple's data security protocols and directed them to bring physical Apple parts to job interviews for 'show and tell' sessions. Apple identifies batteries, logic boards, and shields as desired components. Tan himself allegedly emailed himself supplier information before leaving Apple.
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The Role of Chang Liu and Leaked Files
Another key figure is Chang Liu, an electrical engineer who moved from Apple to OpenAI in January. The suit says Liu kept his company laptop and accessed Apple's internal file system, downloading dozens of confidential hardware files, including a presentation on circuit board manufacturing. Liu also advised a recruited colleague on how to avoid security checks when copying Apple files.
Attempts to Replicate Apple Components
Apple also accuses OpenAI's io Products unit, acquired for $6.5 billion, of approaching two Apple suppliers. One supplier performed a 'specific trade secret metal-finishing technique' for OpenAI after being misled into believing Apple had authorized the work. Another battery supplier faced targeted questions to extract Apple component knowledge.
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Responses and Legal Demands
OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri denied the allegations, stating the company has no interest in others' trade secrets. Apple's spokesperson Hannah Smith said they will always defend their innovations. The case echoes the 2017 Waymo versus Uber theft dispute, settling for $245 million. Apple seeks an injunction, monetary damages, and return of stolen property. For more context, see our earlier coverage: Apple Sues OpenAI for Stealing Hardware Trade Secrets Former Designer Tang Tan Named. External sources like Wikipedia's trade secret page provide legal background. The lawsuit marks a significant escalation between former partners who once collaborated on ChatGPT integration.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/apple-sues-openai-allegedly-stealing-ip-hardware
