Apple Sues OpenAI: Here’s a Breakdown of the Allegations  

JAKARTA, Jakartaweekly.com — Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the artificial intelligence company of systematically misappropriating its trade secrets to accelerate the development of its hardware business.

In a 41-page complaint filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on July 10, 2026, and reviewed by Jakartaweekly.com, Apple alleges that OpenAI benefited from confidential information obtained through former Apple employees.

According to the complaint, the individuals involved include former Apple Vice President of Product Design Tang Yew Tan, who now serves as OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer, and former Apple engineer Chang Liu.

Below are the key allegations outlined in Apple’s lawsuit.

Theft of Apple’s trade secrets

Apple alleges that OpenAI knowingly benefited from the misappropriation of its confidential information by former Apple employees. The allegedly stolen materials include technical documents, unreleased product specifications, engineering presentations, and internal project files related to Apple’s hardware development efforts.

Apple argues that these trade secrets are the result of decades of research and hundreds of billions of dollars in investment, making them among the company’s most valuable intellectual assets.

Unauthorized access to Apple’s internal systems

Apple further alleges that former engineer Chang Liu continued accessing the company’s internal network after joining OpenAI.

According to the complaint, Liu exploited a previously unknown authentication vulnerability to gain access to Apple’s internal storage systems and downloaded dozens of confidential documents without authorization. Apple also claims Liu failed to disclose the security flaw and instead exploited it while employed at OpenAI.

Using Apple’s confidential documents to coach job candidates

Apple alleges that Liu coached former Apple colleagues who were seeking jobs at OpenAI using Apple’s confidential materials.

The complaint states that Liu advised prospective candidates on which internal Apple documents to review before OpenAI interviews and suggested they communicate through separate messaging applications to avoid Apple’s monitoring systems.

Encouraging candidates to bring Apple hardware to interviews

Apple also claims that OpenAI actively encouraged candidates who were still employed at Apple to bring physical components and prototype hardware to job interviews.

According to the lawsuit, candidates were asked to bring batteries, logic boards, system modules, and prototype devices for “show-and-tell” discussions. Apple says one candidate expressed surprise because they were unaware such components could be taken off company premises.

The complaint further alleges that candidates were asked to provide detailed presentations on their work at Apple, including CAD design files, engineering methodologies, supplier relationships, and component selection processes.

Using Apple’s confidential project code names

Apple alleges that Tang Yew Tan used the code names of confidential Apple projects during interviews with prospective hires.

According to the complaint, referencing these project code names was intended to elicit information about Apple’s unreleased products, allowing OpenAI to gain additional insight into confidential development programs.

Helping employees circumvent Apple’s security procedures

Apple also accuses OpenAI of distributing Apple’s internal “Need to Know” documents outlining the company’s offboarding and security procedures.

According to the complaint, the documents were used to help prospective OpenAI recruits avoid forensic reviews and other security measures when resigning from Apple. Apple alleges that several employees who later joined OpenAI bypassed standard exit interviews and security checks.

Leveraging Apple’s supplier network

Apple alleges that OpenAI sought to obtain confidential information not only through former employees but also through Apple’s suppliers and strategic manufacturing partners.

The lawsuit claims OpenAI used internal knowledge of Apple’s manufacturing techniques, including proprietary metal-finishing processes, to ask suppliers to perform similar work for OpenAI without Apple’s authorization.

Apple further alleges that OpenAI relied on confidential information regarding Apple’s supplier relationships and component technologies to accelerate its push into the hardware market.

According to the complaint, Apple contacted OpenAI in February 2026 to raise concerns that its trade secrets may have entered OpenAI’s systems and requested that the company conduct an internal investigation and take corrective action. Apple claims OpenAI failed to respond, prompting the company to file suit.

In its complaint, Apple is seeking a court order barring the use of its alleged trade secrets, requiring the return of all confidential Apple information, and awarding damages for the alleged misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contractual obligations.