'Used E Employees To Steal Trade Secrets': What Apple Alleged Against OpenAI In Lawsuit

Published 11 July 2026 · tech

'Used E Employees To Steal Trade Secrets': What Apple Alleged Against OpenAI In Lawsuit Published By, Last Updated: July 11, 2026, 06:25 IST Apple sued

'Used E Employees To Steal Trade Secrets': What Apple Alleged Against OpenAI In Lawsuit Published By, Last Updated: July 11, 2026, 06:25 IST Apple sued OpenAI, alleging the AI company stole trade secrets to develop its own consumer hardware. The suit names OpenAI, io Products, and former Apple employees. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks during the Microsoft Build conference in Seattle, Washington. (AFP file photo) Apple has accused OpenAI of using former employees to gain access to confidential information as the artificial intelligence company works on developing its own consumer hardware device. In a lawsuit filed in a federal court in San Jose, California, Apple alleged that OpenAI carried out an effort to take its trade secrets by hiring former Apple staff and seeking details about unreleased products and technologies.

“Significant evidence has emerged suggesting individuals employed by OpenAI wrongfully took Apple’s secret and confidential information regarding our unreleased technologies, processes and products," Apple said in a statement. What Apple alleged in the lawsuit? In its 41-page complaint, Apple accused OpenAI of using employees and business contacts to obtain sensitive information related to its products and development processes. “At every level, from members of its Technical Staff to its Chief Hardware Officer, and in coordination with business partners, OpenAI has been stealing Apple’s trade secrets and confidential information," Apple said in the 41-page complaint. The lawsuit named OpenAI, its hardware subsidiary io Products, and two former Apple employees — Tang Yew Tan, OpenAI’s chief hardware officer, and engineer Chang Liu. Apple alleged that Tan, who spent 24 years at the company, used confidential Apple project names during OpenAI job interviews to ask candidates about unreleased products.

The company also claimed that some Apple employees were asked to bring physical components, including batteries and circuit boards, to interviews for what it described as “show and tell" sessions. Apple said the findings were only “the tip of the iceberg" and alleged that OpenAI’s hardware plans were built on information it obtained improperly. “OpenAI’s nascent hardware business now rests on the shakiest of foundations, rotten to its core by its illegal reliance on misappropriated trade secrets," the complaint said. OpenAI did not immediately respond to the lawsuit. Apple said it had raised concerns with OpenAI earlier in February but decided to take legal action after the company failed to address them. (With inputs from AFP) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.