Overview
- Apple has sued OpenAI, its io Products unit, OpenAI hardware chief Tang Yew Tan and former Apple engineer Chang Liu, accusing them of systematic misappropriation of hardware trade secrets and breach of contract.
- Apple says Liu kept an Apple‑issued MacBook after leaving and that the device contains downloads of a power‑converter schematic and other sensitive engineering documents now cited as evidence.
- The company says the MacBook shows access to Apple third‑party cloud storage, that OpenAI staff were aware of Liu’s access, and that Liu sent instructions to a colleague to destroy evidence, which led Apple to press for fast forensic imaging and targeted depositions.
- OpenAI rejects the claim that it seeks competitors’ secrets, has moved to dismiss the case, and has published rebuttal exhibits while saying it will preserve relevant evidence pending the court’s ruling.
- The fight follows OpenAI’s io Products acquisition and a large flow of former Apple engineers to OpenAI, and the court’s decision on expedited discovery could influence how tech firms handle hiring, offboarding and device forensics.