Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Trade Secret Theft by Former Employee
8 verified5 unconfirmed
Apple filed a lawsuit Friday against OpenAI, accusing the company of conspiring with former Apple employees to steal confidential data for developing AI-powered devices. The complaint centers on former Apple engineer Chang Liu, who allegedly exploited a previously unknown authentication bug to access Apple’s network weeks after leaving for OpenAI in January 2026. According to the lawsuit, Liu downloaded dozens of files containing unreleased product details, engineering presentations, and proprietary project data over several weeks. Apple said it quickly fixed the bug after discovering the breach and found that only Liu had exploited it. The lawsuit also names the firm io, which OpenAI acquired, as a defendant, alleging misuse of Apple’s industrial design techniques. OpenAI responded with a statement saying it has “no interest in other companies’ trade secrets.” Apple is seeking injunctions and a jury trial in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
What’s verified
Apple filed the lawsuit on Friday, July 13, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
The former employee, Chang Liu, was a systems electrical engineer at Apple and left for OpenAI in January 2026.
In February 2026, Liu discovered an authentication bug that gave him unauthorized access to Apple’s shared network folders after his employment ended.
Liu downloaded “dozens” of confidential files, including information about unreleased products, technical specifications, and proprietary project data.
Liu sent a message to then-Apple employee Yu-Ting Peng saying: “LOL, I found out I can access the [network storage], so funny.”
Apple fixed the bug and stated that server logs show no other users exploited it.
Apple demands a jury trial and has requested injunctions to block OpenAI from using the alleged stolen information.
OpenAI publicly stated: “We have no interest in other companies’ trade secrets. We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere.”
Not yet confirmed
One source alleges that OpenAI coached departing Apple employees on how to evade Apple’s security procedures, including avoiding the “dreaded walkout” and advising not to sign exit documents without notifying OpenAI.
One source reports that OpenAI job candidates were directed by OpenAI hardware chief Tang Yew Tan to bring “actual parts,” “CAD/design artifacts,” and “prototypes” from Apple to interviews for “show and tell sessions.”
One source claims the lawsuit reveals that over 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI.
One source details allegations that the company io, acquired by OpenAI for $6.5 billion, used Apple’s proprietary metal‑finishing techniques by misleading an Apple partner.
One source says Apple first contacted OpenAI in February 2026 with concerns but received no response.
Key figures
Chang Liu – former Apple systems electrical engineer, now at OpenAI
Yu-Ting “Alyssa” Peng – former Apple employee who later joined OpenAI
Tang Yew Tan – OpenAI chief hardware officer, former Apple VP
Jony Ive – former Apple designer, co‑founder of io
Apple – plaintiff
OpenAI – defendant
Sources: TechCrunch, Ars Technica
