NRT briefing
OpenAI claims ex-employee brought confidential docs about ‘unreleased device’ to Apple
Based on reporting by New York Post.
The Brief
OpenAI has accused a former employee of bringing over 100 confidential files about an unreleased device to Apple, according to a filing Wednesday in the trade secret lawsuit between the two companies. The ChatGPT maker said the alleged theft was discovered during a “recent and ongoing forensic investigation” related to the case.
The filing claims the unnamed ex-employee sent “highly confidential files” about at least one unreleased OpenAI device to personal accounts, including engineering and manufacturing data, and made a presentation about OpenAI’s product plans to Apple’s senior leadership. OpenAI said it has not received assurances Apple is not using the documents, and expressed concern that its confidential work is circulating inside Apple.
Apple spokesperson responded that the company has strict policies to prevent misuse of prior employers’ information and found no evidence to support OpenAI’s claim. The allegation surfaced the same day as a key hearing where US District Judge Edward Davila said he was “highly likely” to side with Apple on its request for an injunction barring ex-Apple employees working at OpenAI from using Apple’s proprietary information.
The judge also called Apple’s broader request for a forensic inspection a “huge ask.” Apple’s lawsuit names former employees Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan, who allegedly took Apple IP, including a laptop and confidential files; OpenAI has denied the allegations.