OpenAI accuses Apple of blaming others for its own trade secret mess

OpenAI has pushed back against Apple’s trade secret lawsuit, saying the iPhone maker has not demonstrated that former employees stole confidential information and accusing Apple of trying to blame others for weaknesses in its own procedures.

Apple sued OpenAI and former employees Tang Tan and Chang Liu in July, claiming they misappropriated trade secrets involving hardware design, manufacturing and supply-chain operations. The allegations come as OpenAI builds a consumer hardware business and recruits heavily from Apple.

OpenAI said Apple is attempting to use the case to slow a potential rival and deter employees from leaving. The AI lab has hired about 400 former Apple employees for its hardware effort, according to court filings, while arguing that California law permits workers to join competitors.

The company also challenged Apple’s handling of departing employees. OpenAI said Apple encourages workers to use personal iCloud accounts to access work documents, creating difficulties in determining which information is personal and which belongs to Apple after an employee leaves.

OpenAI further argued that Apple’s practice of immediately escorting departing employees from its premises can prevent them from properly returning company devices, transferring files or handing over responsibilities.

Liu said he accessed Apple documents after his departure only to help former colleagues find files or answer questions related to his previous work. Tan, a 24-year Apple veteran, said he returned company prototypes and retained only non-confidential materials, including a departure checklist.