Apple Files Lawsuit Against OpenAI Alleging Trade-Secret Misappropriation

Apple filed a civil lawsuit on Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against OpenAI and two former employees, alleging misappropriation of trade secrets related to unreleased technologies, processes, and products.

The complaint names Chang Liu, who worked as a senior electrical system engineer at Apple for eight years before joining OpenAI in 2024, and Tang Yew Tan, who served as vice president of product design for the iPhone and Apple Watch for 24 years before becoming OpenAI's chief hardware officer in 2025.

It alleges that Liu used an Apple-issued laptop after leaving the company to access and download confidential files containing engineering presentations, technical specifications, and proprietary project data. The filing states that Liu coached a former colleague, Yu-Ting Peng, on bypassing Apple security processes while copying files and on answering interview questions about Apple technology.

The complaint accuses Tan of instructing job candidates during OpenAI interviews to bring actual parts from Apple for show-and-tell sessions and of asking about unannounced products.

It also alleges that Tan told new hires not to inform Apple of their OpenAI employment so they could remain at Apple longer. Apple stated that it raised concerns with OpenAI in February 2026 and received no response. The company seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction to halt the alleged theft and require the return of confidential information, along with an unspecified amount of damages.

The lawsuit comes after the companies partnered in 2024 to integrate ChatGPT into Apple devices. Reports in May 2026 indicated the partnership had become strained.