OpenAI pushes back on Apple trade secrets lawsuit

OpenAI has publicly rejected Apple’s lawsuit alleging that the company stole trade secrets through former Apple employees. In a company blog post titled “Apple is getting this wrong,” OpenAI called the case “careless, aggressive and oddly personal” and said Apple’s request for a preliminary injunction is based on false information.

The case names OpenAI technical staff member Chang Liu, chief hardware officer Tang Tan, OpenAI, and io Products as defendants. Liu previously worked as a senior electrical engineer at Apple, while Tan was formerly vice president of product design for the iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch. io Products, acquired by OpenAI last year, was founded by Tan with former Apple design chief Jony Ive and other former Apple employees.

Apple is asking the court to block the defendants from accessing, acquiring, using, or disclosing the alleged trade secrets, arguing that it would be irreparably harmed without an injunction. A ruling in Apple’s favor could disrupt OpenAI’s reported consumer hardware plans, including a rumored portable AI device with cameras and sensors, while the broader dispute could take months or even years to resolve.