Apple has escalated its legal battle with OpenAI by filing for a preliminary injunction aimed at stopping the AI company from developing products based on Apple’s technology. According to the filing, Apple is also requesting expedited discovery from OpenAI, several named employees, and io, the device startup co-founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive.
The original complaint named two OpenAI employees with Apple backgrounds: senior systems engineer Chang Liu and Chief Hardware Officer Tang Yew Tan. The filing also references OpenAI employee Yu-Ting Peng.
Apple’s continued investigation has revealed that 11 additional former Apple employees beyond Liu and Tan may have been witnesses or otherwise involved in the case, according to the company. The filing describes specific alleged conduct: “Another former Apple employee seems to have met with Mr. Liu and Ms. Peng in advance of Ms. Peng’s interview at OpenAI and discussed with them during that meeting Apple proprietary information relating to unannounced products,” the filing states. Additionally, “yet another former Apple employee took screenshots of confidential Apple documents relating to an unannounced Apple product before an interview at OpenAI.”
Apple further claims that after filing its complaint, multiple former Apple employees now working at OpenAI reached out to discuss returning Apple-issued work devices they had kept upon departure, suggesting additional involvement in the alleged misconduct.
Apple argues it has good cause to seek expedited discovery due to evidence suggesting others beyond those originally named are involved in intellectual property theft. The company’s motion for a preliminary injunction remains pending.
OpenAI responded publicly through a blog post, denying the allegations. “We do not have, nor want, any of their trade secrets,” OpenAI stated, calling Apple’s request for a preliminary injunction “both based on false information and completely unnecessary.” The company emphasized its focus on “building innovative products and technologies that push the frontier.”
OpenAI also pointed to what it characterized as errors in Apple’s approach, including that Apple emailed the wrong person when initially contacting OpenAI due to confusion over similar surnames. OpenAI further alleged that Apple misrepresented discussions with its general counsel and failed to acknowledge that residual system access by former employees may have resulted from Apple’s own security procedures.
Key facts
- Apple is seeking a preliminary injunction against OpenAI to prevent development of products based on Apple technology
- Apple’s investigation identified 11 additional former Apple employees beyond the two originally named who may have been involved
- Specific allegations include former employees discussing Apple proprietary information before interviews at OpenAI and taking screenshots of confidential documents
- OpenAI denies having or wanting Apple’s trade secrets and disputes Apple’s characterization of events
- The case involves former Apple lead designer Jony Ive’s startup io, from which Apple is also seeking expedited discovery