Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Theft of Hardware Trade Secrets
Apple files a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that former Apple engineers now working at the AI startup steal confidential hardware secrets. In its complaint, Apple claims to uncover "a pattern of theft" of trade secrets by OpenAI employees who previously work at Apple. The lawsuit also targets IO Products, the hardware startup founded by Jony Ive that OpenAI acquires in 2025.
The legal action specifically names two individuals: Tang Tan, who serves as OpenAI's chief hardware officer, and Chang Liu, who joins OpenAI from Apple in January. Apple asserts that significant evidence emerges suggesting these employees wrongfully take secret information about unreleased technologies, processes, and products. The company states that protecting its intellectual property remains a top priority.
OpenAI responds to the allegations through a spokesperson who tells The Verge that the company has no interest in other companies' trade secrets and remains focused on building innovative technology. The dispute highlights the escalating tensions between major tech companies as they compete fiercely in the rapidly growing artificial intelligence hardware space.