Apple accuses OpenAI of stealing confidential product data through ex-employees

Apple has filed another lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging systematic trade secret theft and breach of contract involving former Apple employees now working at the AI company. The filing claims OpenAI’s hardware chief Tang Tan used confidential Apple project code names, requested candidates to bring Apple components to interviews, and coached departing employees on how to bypass security protocols. Apple also accuses former engineer Chang Liu of taking an Apple laptop and downloading sensitive technical documents related to unreleased products. The lawsuit suggests OpenAI is using Apple’s proprietary technologies in its upcoming hardware device, which analysts believe could be an AI-driven smartphone. Apple argues this behavior reflects a broader strategy within OpenAI to extract confidential information and says the company’s hardware efforts rely on misappropriated trade secrets.

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