Apple has submitted what it describes as “shocking evidence” in its trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that a former employee used confidential company information in his work for the artificial intelligence firm.
The allegations emerged after lawyers for former Apple employee Chang Liu, who now works at OpenAI, handed over his old Apple laptop for examination earlier this month.
According to a court filing, Apple alleges that Liu used a confidential Apple circuit schematic while working at OpenAI. The company also claims he used a tool carrying the same name as an internal Apple engineering application.
Apple alleges former employee used confidential data
Apple claims OpenAI was aware of Liu’s access to confidential company information and alleges that Liu sought help from an OpenAI colleague, Yu-Ting Peng, to destroy evidence after learning that Apple was investigating him.
The company argued in its filing that the laptop provided only limited information and that the evidence indicated Apple was not conducting a broad search for information without cause.
Apple’s latest allegations are partly based on material recovered from Liu’s former work laptop. Much of the new evidence remains redacted from the public court record.
Previous filings have included text messages allegedly showing Liu was aware that he retained access to Apple files even after leaving the company.
OpenAI defends former Apple employee
OpenAI has previously rejected Apple’s allegations against Liu, saying he accessed Apple files after leaving the company only to assist former colleagues who requested his help.
The AI company has also argued that the continued access resulted from Apple’s failure to properly manage system permissions after employees leave.
Apple, however, alleges that Liu maintained access by exploiting what it described as a rare and previously unknown authentication vulnerability.
OpenAI has not yet publicly responded to the latest allegations.
Apple seeks restrictions on OpenAI
Apple is seeking a preliminary injunction that would prevent OpenAI from developing hardware based on Apple’s technology while the lawsuit continues.
The company is also seeking expedited discovery, arguing that a faster evidence-gathering process is necessary because more former Apple employees could potentially be involved.
According to Apple’s initial lawsuit, more than 400 former Apple employees are now working at OpenAI.
The dispute is part of a broader legal battle between the two technology companies over Apple’s allegations that former employees took confidential information to OpenAI.
