OpenAI Says Apple’s Trade-Secret Case Is Built on Its Own Security Failures

OpenAI Says Apple’s Trade-Secret Case Is Built on Its Own Security Failures
Apple’s fight with OpenAI has moved from a dispute over departed employees to a sharper battle over who mishandled sensitive information — and who is rewriting the record.

The conflict began with Apple’s lawsuit last month, accusing former iPhone engineer Chang Liu and former design executive Tang Tan of taking confidential material to help advance OpenAI’s hardware ambitions. Apple alleged a broader “coordinated pattern of misconduct,” including claims that proprietary hardware and information were sought during recruiting.

On Monday, Apple raised the stakes by asking a federal judge for a preliminary injunction barring Liu, Tan, OpenAI and io Products from accessing, using or disclosing the disputed information while the case proceeds. It also sought expedited discovery, saying its investigation had identified 11 additional former Apple employees who may be witnesses or otherwise connected to the alleged misconduct. Apple’s filing said one ex-employee had discussed proprietary details about unannounced products before an OpenAI interview, while another allegedly took screenshots of confidential documents.

OpenAI answered publicly rather than in a formal legal filing, publishing emails and messages it says undermine Apple’s account. The company called the injunction request “both based on false information and completely unnecessary because we do not have, nor want, any of their trade secrets.”

Its central counterargument is that Liu’s alleged post-departure access reflected Apple’s own weak offboarding controls. OpenAI said Apple employees had contacted Liu for help locating files, and argued that former staff can retain access “despite not wanting them or even being aware of them.” It also said Apple’s outside lawyers initially emailed the wrong person after confusing similar surnames, and that Apple later conceded no discussion occurred with OpenAI’s general counsel.

The sides agree the case turns on what former Apple employees knew and handled after leaving. They fundamentally disagree on whether that points to organized theft or a company failing to close its own digital doors. Elon Musk, an outspoken OpenAI critic, distilled the accusation to four words: “Can’t trust OpenAI.”

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