Apple Presents New Evidence Claiming Ex‑Employee Shared Proprietary Data with OpenAI

Apple has introduced additional documentation in its ongoing lawsuit against OpenAI, asserting that a former staff member misappropriated trade secrets.

The case centers on Chang Liu, who left Apple for OpenAI and whose former Apple laptop was surrendered for forensic analysis earlier this month.

Details emerging from the seized laptop

Apple alleges the device contains a confidential Apple circuit schematic that Liu allegedly used while working at OpenAI.

The filing also cites a software tool whose name matches an internal Apple engineering application, suggesting direct reuse of proprietary utilities.

According to the complaint, OpenAI was “well‑aware” of Liu’s continued access to Apple data and that Liu asked OpenAI colleague Yu‑Ting Peng to destroy evidence in June after learning of Apple’s investigation.

“The MacBook represents the very limited information Defendants provided so far (and only after weeks of delay), and shows Apple is not conducting ‘fishing expeditions’ but that its trade secrets are being used and evidence is being destroyed,” the filing states.

While the newly submitted material is redacted from public view, earlier court filings included Liu’s text messages that featured “crying laughing” emojis, indicating he knew the files remained accessible.

OpenAI’s response and broader allegations

OpenAI defended Liu in a blog post, claiming he only accessed Apple files after his departure to assist former colleagues who requested help.

“Apple now tries to shift the blame to ‘residual access,’ but they also don’t disclose that this is a common issue with Apple which is caused by them failing to properly manage system access when people leave,” OpenAI wrote.

Apple counters that Liu exploited “a rare, previously unknown authentication bug” to retain unauthorized entry to Apple systems.

The technology company is seeking a preliminary injunction that would bar OpenAI from developing hardware that incorporates Apple technology while the litigation proceeds.

Apple also requests expedited discovery, a fast‑tracked evidentiary process, citing concerns that additional former Apple employees may be implicated.

The initial complaint notes that more than 400 former Apple staff members are currently employed by OpenAI, highlighting the scale of talent migration between the two firms.

Legal analysts note that the injunction, if granted, could limit OpenAI’s ability to integrate Apple‑derived hardware designs into its products, potentially reshaping collaborative boundaries in the AI‑hardware ecosystem.

Apple’s emphasis on the alleged authentication flaw underscores ongoing challenges in managing employee access after departure, an issue it frames as a systemic risk.

OpenAI’s blog argument that “residual access” is a common industry problem suggests the dispute may set precedents for how tech companies secure legacy credentials.

Stakeholders in both firms are watching the case for signals about future data‑security policies and the enforceability of trade‑secret protections across AI research organizations.

Why This Matters: The lawsuit could determine whether AI developers can legally incorporate proprietary hardware designs from former employers, influencing future talent movement and IP safeguards.