Overview
- OpenAI filed a motion to dismiss the case on Wednesday, calling Apple’s July complaint legally deficient and describing the suit as baseless and pretextual.
- Apple has separately asked the court for a preliminary injunction to block use of the alleged secrets, and OpenAI must respond to that request by Aug. 17 with a hearing set for Oct. 1 before Judge Edward J. Davila.
- OpenAI published exhibits including iMessage excerpts that it says show former Apple engineer Chang Liu was being asked by Apple colleagues to help locate files rather than delivering materials to OpenAI.
- Apple’s July complaint accuses OpenAI, io Products and two former Apple employees — Tang Yew Tan and Chang Liu — of using recruiting and hires to obtain confidential hardware information and says more than 400 ex‑Apple staff now work at OpenAI.
- The case will test trade‑secret law versus California employee mobility rules and could force wide discovery into recruiting, offboarding, supplier ties and OpenAI’s timeline for consumer hardware, with real effects for partnerships and hiring practices.