Apple has filed new evidence in its lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming that a former employee used stolen trade secrets in his work for the AI company. The filing, made public this week, describes what Apple calls “shocking evidence” that Chang Liu, a former Apple engineer who now works at OpenAI, used a confidential Apple circuit schematic and an internal engineering tool while at OpenAI.
The evidence emerged after Liu’s legal counsel handed over his old Apple work laptop for investigation earlier this month. Apple says the laptop shows Liu’s continued use of Apple’s proprietary data, and that OpenAI was “well-aware” of Liu’s access. The company also alleges that Liu enlisted an OpenAI colleague, Yu-Ting Peng, to help destroy evidence in June when he learned Apple was investigating him.
“The MacBook represents the very limited information Defendants provided so far (and only after weeks of delay), and shows Apple is not conducting ‘fishing expeditions’ but that its trade secrets are being used and evidence is being destroyed,” the filing reads.
Background: The lawsuit and Liu’s role
Apple filed the lawsuit against OpenAI in [Month, Year], accusing the company of poaching employees and encouraging them to bring proprietary information. Liu, who left Apple to join OpenAI, is a central figure in the case. Apple’s initial filing noted that more than 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI, raising concerns about systemic intellectual property leakage.
According to past filings, text messages from Liu — punctuated with “crying laughing” emojis — show he was aware he still had access to Apple files after his departure. Apple now claims that Liu’s continued access was not accidental but the result of him exploiting “a rare, previously unknown authentication bug.”
OpenAI’s defense and counterarguments
OpenAI has defended Liu, arguing that he only accessed Apple files after leaving to help former colleagues who requested his assistance. In a blog post earlier this month, OpenAI wrote: “Apple now tries to shift the blame to ‘residual access,’ but they also don’t disclose that this is a common issue with Apple which is caused by them failing to properly manage system access when people leave.”
OpenAI has not yet responded to Apple’s latest allegations. TechCrunch has reached out for comment.
Legal implications and what’s next
Apple is seeking a preliminary injunction that would block OpenAI from working on hardware based on Apple’s technology while the case is ongoing. It is also requesting expedited discovery, a fast-tracked process for gathering evidence, as Apple alleges that more former employees may be implicated.
The case is notable for its potential to reshape how tech companies handle employee mobility and intellectual property. If Apple’s claims are substantiated, it could lead to stricter enforcement of non-disclosure agreements and more rigorous access controls when employees leave. It also raises questions about the culture at OpenAI, which has aggressively recruited from tech giants like Apple, Google, and Meta.
For readers, this case underscores the legal risks that come with switching jobs in the tech industry, particularly when moving to a direct competitor. It also highlights the growing tension between established tech companies and AI startups over talent and proprietary technology.
The court is expected to rule on Apple’s request for a preliminary injunction in the coming weeks. The outcome could set a precedent for how courts handle trade secret disputes involving AI companies.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. The legal proceedings described are ongoing, and outcomes are uncertain. Market and legal situations are subject to change.
