Apple Sues OpenAI for Stealing Trade Secrets

Apple has filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging a coordinated campaign to steal trade secrets through mass employee poaching. The complaint claims over 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI, and that the company actively encouraged them to take confidential files, drawings, and specs about unreleased products during their notice periods. The lawsuit centers on Tang Tan, OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer, who previously led iPhone and Apple Watch development at Apple. Apple says former engineer Chang Liu downloaded dozens of confidential files before joining OpenAI, while Paul Meade, who ran Apple’s Smart Glasses division, recently left too. OpenAI denies the allegations, saying it focuses on building its own technology. Apple wants a jury trial, an end to the practices, destruction of stolen materials, and product redesigns. Why it matters: This lawsuit highlights the growing tension between legacy tech giants and AI upstarts over talent and intellectual property, as hardware becomes the next battleground for AI dominance.