Apple Files Lawsuit Against OpenAI Alleging Trade-Secret Misuse by Two Former Employees

Apple filed a civil lawsuit against OpenAI and two former employees on July 10, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint alleges that OpenAI misappropriated trade secrets by recruiting staff who retained and accessed confidential files on unreleased products.

The filing names Chang Liu, a former senior electrical system engineer at Apple now employed by OpenAI, and Tang Yew Tan, previously vice president of product design for the iPhone and Apple Watch at Apple and now OpenAI’s chief hardware officer. It states that Liu used a company-issued laptop after his departure to access engineering presentations, technical specifications, and project data, and coached a colleague on bypassing security protocols while copying files.

The complaint further alleges that Tan directed job candidates to bring physical parts for “show and tell” sessions about unannounced products and instructed new hires not to disclose their OpenAI roles to Apple so they could remain longer at the company.

Apple and OpenAI formed a partnership in 2024 to integrate ChatGPT into Apple devices. Apple seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction requiring the return of confidential information along with unspecified damages. ” The suit follows internal concerns Apple raised before filing, with discovery expected to examine whether evidence was concealed or destroyed.