Apple has expanded its trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that more former employees may have taken confidential company information with them after joining the artificial intelligence company.
In a new court filing, Apple said its internal investigation had uncovered evidence suggesting additional former employees, beyond the two originally named in the lawsuit, may have retained or shared sensitive company data after leaving the iPhone maker. The company is seeking broader discovery to determine whether proprietary information was transferred to OpenAI.
The lawsuit, filed in July, initially accused former Apple employees Chang Liu and Tang Tan of misappropriating confidential hardware designs and engineering documents before joining OpenAI. Apple claims the pair downloaded internal files, retained company devices and used sensitive information to support OpenAI’s consumer hardware ambitions.
Apple now says its review indicates that up to 11 additional former employees could possess relevant information or confidential materials, prompting the company to widen the scope of the legal battle. It is asking the court to compel document production and testimony from current and former OpenAI employees as part of an expedited discovery process.
The dispute comes as OpenAI accelerates its push into consumer hardware following its acquisition of io, the startup co-founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive. The deal has intensified competition between the two companies as OpenAI seeks to develop AI-powered devices that could eventually compete with smartphones and other personal electronics.
OpenAI has strongly denied Apple’s allegations, saying it neither possesses nor wants Apple’s trade secrets. The company argues that Apple’s claims are based on misunderstandings and administrative errors rather than evidence of systematic misconduct. It also said its employees are prohibited from bringing confidential information from previous employers.
Apple is seeking a preliminary injunction that would prevent OpenAI from using any allegedly misappropriated trade secrets while the case proceeds. The company argues that without immediate court intervention, it faces irreparable harm as OpenAI advances its hardware development efforts.
The lawsuit underscores growing competition between two of the technology industry’s biggest players as the race to develop AI-powered consumer devices gathers pace. Beyond the legal claims, the case is expected to test how companies protect intellectual property as experienced engineers increasingly move between rivals in the rapidly evolving AI sector.
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Emmanuel Abara Benson is a business journalist and editor covering artificial intelligence, global markets, and emerging technology.
He has previously worked with Business Insider Africa and Nairametrics, reporting on finance, startups, and innovation.
His work focuses on AI, digital economy, and global tech trends.
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