Apple Expands Trade Secrets Case Against OpenAI and Seeks Injunction
Apple asks the court to restrict OpenAI's product development
Apple is seeking a preliminary injunction in its trade secrets case against OpenAI, asking the court to stop the AI company from advancing an AI device or other products allegedly based on Apple technology. The iPhone maker is also requesting expedited discovery as its investigation widens beyond the former employees named in the original complaint.
The new filing seeks discovery from OpenAI senior systems engineer Chang Liu, Chief Hardware Officer Tang Yew Tan, OpenAI and its foundation, and io, the device startup co-founded by Apple's former lead designer Jony Ive. Apple says its continuing investigation has identified 11 additional former employees who may have witnessed or otherwise been involved in the alleged conduct.
The escalation adds legal pressure to the dispute over OpenAI's hardware ambitions as Apple attempts to prevent disputed information from influencing hardware development while its preliminary-injunction motion remains pending.
Apple cites meetings, screenshots and retained devices
Apple alleges that one former employee met Liu and OpenAI employee Yu-Ting Peng before Peng's interview at OpenAI and discussed proprietary information about unannounced products. It further claims that another former employee took screenshots of confidential documents concerning an unannounced Apple product before an OpenAI interview.
The filing also says multiple former Apple employees now working at OpenAI contacted Apple after the complaint was filed to arrange the return of Apple-issued work devices they had kept after leaving. Apple argues that these findings provide good cause to suspect broader involvement and justify an accelerated discovery process.
The claims have not gone unanswered. OpenAI said Apple's injunction request is “both based on false information and completely unnecessary”, adding that it neither possesses nor wants Apple's trade secrets. OpenAI said it is focused on developing products and technologies that push the frontier.
OpenAI challenges Apple's account
OpenAI also pointed to alleged errors in Apple's handling of the dispute. It said Apple initially contacted the wrong person after confusing two similar surnames, misrepresented discussions with OpenAI's general counsel, and failed to acknowledge that former employees' “residual access” to Apple systems resulted from Apple's own security procedures.
The court must therefore consider sharply conflicting accounts while Apple's request for expedited discovery and its preliminary-injunction motion remain pending. The practical business implication is clear: organizations handling sensitive product development should revoke system access promptly, recover issued equipment, preserve departure records and document what information departing staff retain before they join another company.