Apple ($AAPL) filed a lawsuit against Microsoft ($MSFT)-backed OpenAI, alleging the AI company orchestrated a campaign to obtain confidential information about unreleased Apple hardware through former employees. Apple is seeking damages, a jury trial, and court orders requiring OpenAI to stop using and destroy any misappropriated trade secrets tied to its hardware development efforts.
- Apple named OpenAI and its chief hardware officer, former Apple executive Tang Tan, as defendants in the Northern District of California.
- The lawsuit alleges former Apple employees downloaded confidential files and were encouraged to share product information, components, and engineering details during OpenAI recruiting.
- Apple claims OpenAI hired more than 400 former Apple employees as it expanded its AI hardware efforts.
- The companies previously partnered to integrate ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence, though Apple's latest Siri AI uses Google's Gemini models.
Relevant Companies
- Apple ($AAPL) – The lawsuit seeks damages and injunctive relief over alleged theft of proprietary hardware technology.
- Microsoft ($MSFT) – Microsoft is OpenAI's largest strategic investor, making the litigation relevant to its AI ecosystem.
- Alphabet ($GOOGL) – Apple's latest Siri AI relies on Gemini, while OpenAI and Apple dispute their hardware and AI partnership.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.
