Apple files 'shocking evidence' in OpenAI trade secret lawsuit

The legal battle between Apple and OpenAI has escalated with Apple's latest filing, which introduces what it calls 'shocking evidence' from a MacBook that former employee Chang Liu returned after legal pressure. Apple's core allegation is that Liu, who now works at OpenAI, used a confidential Apple circuit schematic and a tool sharing a name with an internal Apple engineering application in his OpenAI work. This goes beyond mere access, suggesting active use of proprietary information.

OpenAI has defended Liu previously, saying he accessed Apple files only to help former colleagues after leaving. But Apple counters that Liu's continued access came from exploiting a 'rare, previously unknown authentication bug.' The dispute now includes allegations of evidence destruction, with Liu reportedly enlisting Yu-Ting Peng to help in June when he learned of Apple's investigation.

The stakes are significant: Apple is seeking a preliminary injunction to block OpenAI from working on hardware based on its technology, and expedited discovery because it alleges more former employees may be implicated. With over 400 former Apple employees now at OpenAI, this case could set a precedent for how companies handle trade secret access when employees move to competitors.