Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that the AI company and key personnel misappropriated Apple trade secrets and confidential information to support OpenAI’s development of hardware products. Multiple outlets report that Apple accuses OpenAI of a coordinated effort involving former Apple employees who joined OpenAI, which Apple says was directed and enabled through recruiting and onboarding practices. Apple alleges the scheme included obtaining unreleased details about devices, components, manufacturing processes, and supplier relationships, and that some employees used Apple knowledge and access to gather or transfer confidential materials.

The reporting also says Apple claims OpenAI did not respond when Apple raised concerns earlier in the year, and that Apple’s investigation found patterns including actions tied to employee departures and the handling of sensitive information. Several outlets identify accused individuals as hardware-focused former Apple employees, including Tang Tan, described as a former Apple designer, and Chang Liu, described as a former electrical engineer. Apple is seeking an injunction to prevent OpenAI from possessing, using, or disclosing the alleged trade secrets, along with unspecified damages to be determined at trial.

The suit follows a previously public partnership in which ChatGPT was integrated into Apple devices, though outlets note the lawsuit frames that relationship as separate from the trade-secret allegations.