Apple sues OpenAI for trade secret theft via two ex-employees
Apple filed suit against OpenAI, io Products, and former design VP Tan Tan and senior engineer Chan Liu, claiming they leaked unreleased hardware specs, production processes, and internal security protocols through interviews and supplier contacts.
Apple filed suit this week against OpenAI, io Products, and two former employees — Tan Tan, the company's former VP of product design, and Chan Liu, a senior engineer — alleging systematic theft of trade secrets tied to unreleased devices and manufacturing processes. The complaint claims Tan Tan used insider knowledge to vet job candidates, urged current Apple employees to bring original hardware samples to interviews, and distributed internal security documents to help departing staff bypass data-protection protocols. Chan Liu allegedly downloaded over 1,000 pages of technical documentation and coached Apple employees on which confidential files to review before interviewing at OpenAI.
Apple frames the case as a coordinated effort rather than isolated misconduct. The suit ties together pre-departure candidate coaching, circumvention of exit audits, bulk downloads of engineering specs, and supplier inquiries that used Apple's internal terminology. Apple says it asked OpenAI in February to investigate but received no response. The company is seeking an injunction and damages. OpenAI has not commented.
The case hinges on whether Apple can prove OpenAI knowingly encouraged or benefited from the alleged leaks. If the court finds a pattern of solicitation — particularly around hardware samples and supplier contacts — the injunction could restrict OpenAI's hiring of Apple engineers or force disclosure of any derived work. Watch for OpenAI's formal response and any motion to compel discovery of internal hiring communications. The next filing should clarify whether Apple has evidence of OpenAI management directing the alleged conduct or simply former employees acting alone.
