'LOL, I found out I can access...': Apple points to former employer's message in lawsuit against OpenAI

Published 12 July 2026 · tech

Apple has filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the artificial intelligence company of improperly obtaining confidential trade secrets as it builds its own AI

Apple has filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the artificial intelligence company of improperly obtaining confidential trade secrets as it builds its own AI hardware business, Bloomberg reported. Filed in federal court in San Jose, the complaint centres on allegations that former Apple employees retained access to sensitive company information after leaving and that OpenAI used recruitment efforts to obtain details about Apple's unreleased technologies and products. One of the key allegations involves former Apple engineer Chang Liu. According to the lawsuit, Liu discovered that he could still access Apple's internal file servers after joining OpenAI. Apple claims he did not report the issue and instead joked about it in a message to a former colleague. According to court filings, Liu allegedly wrote to former Apple employee Alyssa Peng: "LOL, I found out I can access the [network storage], so funny." Apple alleges confidential files were accessed after employment ended Apple claims Liu left the company with more than his professional experience.

The lawsuit alleges that he never returned an Apple-issued MacBook, remained in contact with an Apple employee who continued sharing internal information, and exploited a software bug that allowed him to access Apple's internal storage systems after his employment had ended. According to Bloomberg, Apple alleges Liu downloaded confidential presentations, hardware designs, manufacturing information and testing procedures while already working at OpenAI. The complaint further alleges that Peng responded to Liu's message by saying: "I'm ready." Apple claims Peng later obtained additional internal information using her Apple laptop before resigning and joining OpenAI's hardware division in April. Apple accuses OpenAI of targeting trade secrets through recruitment Apple alleges the company carried out a broader effort to obtain its trade secrets while developing its own consumer hardware products. "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 to AFP.

“We will always defend our teams’ hard work and innovations, and we are taking all appropriate steps to do so.” Also Read | Bengaluru-based startup helps gig workers get jobs using Open AI According to the lawsuit, the effort extended beyond standard recruitment. Apple alleges that job interviews were sometimes used to gather information about future Apple products and confidential internal projects. Responding to AFP's request for comment on Friday, an OpenAI spokesperson said: "We have no interest in other companies’ trade secrets. We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere." Apple executive Tang Tan also named in complaint The lawsuit names OpenAI, its hardware subsidiary io Products, and two former Apple employees: Tang Yew Tan, now OpenAI's chief hardware officer, and engineer Chang Liu. Apple alleges Tang Tan, who spent around 25 years at the company overseeing the development of products including the iPhone and Apple Watch, played a significant role in recruiting Apple engineers after leaving in late 2023.