Overview
- Apple filed a federal trade‑secrets suit in July and says new forensic analysis of an Apple‑issued MacBook that OpenAI turned over shows former engineer Chang Liu downloaded a confidential circuit schematic and used it while working at OpenAI.
- Apple alleges the MacBook data show Liu retained unauthorized access to Apple’s third‑party cloud storage after leaving the company and that he sent instructions to an OpenAI colleague to delete evidence once he learned of an internal Apple probe.
- Apple submitted the new findings in a motion for expedited pretrial discovery on Aug. 31 to preserve evidence and seek a preliminary injunction to stop OpenAI from using or retaining any purportedly misappropriated materials.
- OpenAI denies theft, has asked the court to dismiss the case, blames Apple’s offboarding and data practices for any lingering access, and says Apple is trying to slow competition by suing over employee moves.
- A federal judge will hear competing motions and discovery requests on Oct. 1, a decision that could determine what devices and records the parties can inspect and whether interim limits are placed on OpenAI’s hardware program or hiring practices.