Overview
- Apple filed suit in July and on Aug. 31 submitted forensic results from a former Apple‑issued MacBook that it says show ex‑engineer Chang Liu downloaded a confidential power‑converter circuit schematic and used it at OpenAI.
- Apple says the MacBook reveals Liu ran the schematic in LTspice, reported training an AI agent to run simulations, and synced output files from a Mac mini to iCloud, evidence Apple wants to inspect.
- The company alleges that when Liu learned of Apple’s inquiry he instructed an OpenAI colleague to delete forensic data and that OpenAI delayed turning over the MacBook to investigators.
- OpenAI denies theft, has asked the court to dismiss the case, and argues that Apple’s offboarding practices and personal iCloud use explain any post‑departure access to files.
- If the judge grants Apple’s request for fast discovery or an injunction, the ruling could impose device inspections, narrow limits on OpenAI’s device work, and affect hiring and data‑security rules across the tech industry.