The high-stakes legal feud between OpenAI and Apple escalated sharply on Tuesday as OpenAI filed court documents accusing a former employee of data theft. According to the federal filing, the individual allegedly transferred more than 100 confidential files to personal accounts on their final day at OpenAI in June. The stolen data reportedly included engineering details, manufacturing information, supplier data, and images of an unreleased device.
This latest development stems from an ongoing investigation into a July lawsuit originally filed by Apple. In that case, Apple claimed OpenAI and former Apple employees misappropriated trade secrets regarding manufacturing processes and products under development. OpenAI denied those allegations, but the tables have now turned as the AI company claims the transferred information was subsequently presented to senior Apple executives, including the vice president of operations in Asia.
OpenAI expressed strong concern in the filing that its proprietary work is now circulating internally at Apple, potentially helping engineers shape upcoming products. The AI startup also noted that Apple launched a renewed push into AI-enabled devices following the alleged presentation. Meanwhile, Apple denied finding any evidence to support OpenAI's claims, stating the company maintains strict protocols to prevent incoming employees from utilizing past employers' confidential data.
The legal clash coincides with a federal judge granting Apple expedited access to certain OpenAI records, including documents tied to job interviews with former Apple personnel. The unfolding dispute marks a stark reversal from the companies' 2024 partnership, which has since dissolved following OpenAI's hardware ambitions and Apple's pivot toward other AI partners.
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