Apple Alleges Coordinated Theft of Hardware Secrets
Apple Inc. has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that the artificial intelligence company engaged in a "coordinated pattern of misconduct at an institutional level" to steal trade secrets related to Apple's unreleased products. The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, claims that OpenAI and its hardware chief orchestrated a campaign to acquire confidential information about upcoming Apple devices. Apple's complaint states that the misconduct was directed by OpenAI's senior leadership and involved a longtime former Apple employee.
The iPhone maker claims it began investigating potential compromises of its confidential information and "uncovered a pattern of theft" by former employees who subsequently joined OpenAI. Apple alleges that OpenAI encouraged its employees to share information, including showcasing parts of new devices, during hiring interviews. The lawsuit seeks damages and a court order to prevent OpenAI from possessing or using its trade secrets.