OpenAI accuses former employee of taking 100 confidential hardware files to Apple
OpenAI has accused a former employee of taking more than 100 confidential files about unreleased hardware when he left the company for Apple. The claim adds a new turn to a dispute in which Apple had previously accused OpenAI and two former staff of taking its trade secrets.
A court filing alleges the files included device images, engineering and manufacturing data, supplier details and product specifications, with some transfers allegedly made on the employee’s final day in Singapore. OpenAI also claims he presented its product plans to Apple leaders, but Apple says it has found no evidence supporting the allegations and has safeguards against staff bringing former employers’ secrets. OpenAI has asked for time to investigate; it has not yet filed counterclaims, and there is no established evidence that Apple received or used the material.
- OpenAI alleges a former employee took over 100 confidential files.
- The files reportedly covered unreleased hardware and product plans.
- Apple disputes the claims; OpenAI has not filed counterclaims.
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OpenAI makes AI software and has also been developing hardware products. Apple is a technology company that makes devices such as the iPhone and employs people who have worked for other firms.
Companies often keep plans for unreleased products, designs and manufacturing details confidential because these can affect their business and relationships with suppliers. When employees move between competitors, disputes can arise over whether information they handled belongs to their former employer.
The companies have previously made competing claims about confidential business information. The legal dispute matters because it raises questions about how firms protect trade secrets when staff change jobs and how courts assess allegations between competitors.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
OpenAI’s strongest case is that confidential engineering, manufacturing and supplier information can give a competitor an unfair advantage, and the alleged volume and timing of the transfers warrant a thorough investigation. If the files were taken deliberately or shared with Apple, protecting trade secrets and deterring similar conduct would justify seeking legal remedies.
The case against
Apple’s strongest case is that an accusation in a court filing does not establish that its former hire took or shared the files, still less that Apple received or used them. The company says it found no supporting evidence and has safeguards against importing former employers’ secrets; absent proof of misuse, treating Apple as responsible could unfairly damage its reputation and chill legitimate hiring.
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Originally published by The Register as “OpenAI claims 100-plus secret files followed ex-employee back to Apple”.