Apple vs OpenAI: ChatGPT maker denies trade secret theft claims, says lawsuit lacks evidence

OpenAI has hit back at Apple's allegations of trade secret theft, saying it is not aware of any evidence that supports the lawsuit accusing the AI company of unlawfully benefiting from confidential Apple information to advance its hardware ambitions.

The response, shared with Bloomberg, marks OpenAI's most detailed public rebuttal since Apple filed its legal complaint last week. While the company said it was treating the accusations seriously, it maintained that the claims lack merit and defended the movement of employees between technology companies.

In its statement, OpenAI said it considers the allegations important but does not believe the complaint is backed by evidence. It also defended the free movement of talent across the technology industry, stressing that its priority is building innovative products that empower users globally.

Moreover, Apple's claim that OpenAI "never responded" has also found faulty. Emails reviewed by NBC News indicate that OpenAI did reply to Apple's initial outreach in February, but discussions later stalled after an external lawyer representing Apple reportedly confused the names and email addresses of two OpenAI employees with the surnames Wang and Chang.

More from Tech

Apple's lawsuit accuses OpenAI of building part of its nascent hardware programme using confidential information allegedly obtained through two former Apple employees—Tang Tan, now OpenAI's Chief Hardware Officer, and Chang Liu, who works on the company's hardware team. Both previously held engineering roles at Apple before joining OpenAI.

According to the complaint, Tan and Liu sought access to sensitive information relating to unreleased Apple products, internal component designs, manufacturing processes and supplier relationships. Apple alleges that employees interviewing with OpenAI were encouraged to discuss confidential details during the hiring process.

The lawsuit also claims Liu retained an Apple-issued laptop after leaving the company and took advantage of an authentication flaw that allowed continued access to confidential Apple documents. Apple argues that the information allegedly obtained was relevant to OpenAI's efforts to develop consumer hardware products.

Apple has framed the case as extending beyond isolated incidents. In its complaint, the company argues the allegations disclosed so far are "the tip of the iceberg", claiming it has only limited visibility into OpenAI's internal operations and suggesting further evidence may emerge through the legal discovery process. The iPhone maker alleges that the misuse of confidential information was embedded within OpenAI's hardware organisation rather than being the work of a single individual.

Before issuing its latest statement, OpenAI had already dismissed the accusations. Company spokesperson Drew Pusateri previously said, "We have no interest in other companies' trade secrets," reiterating that OpenAI's focus remains on developing technology for users rather than relying on competitors' intellectual property.

The latest statement also hints at OpenAI's broader legal strategy. By emphasising employee freedom and fair competition, the company appears prepared to argue that Apple's lawsuit is linked to the recruitment of former Apple staff rather than evidence of systematic trade secret theft. Apple claims that more than 400 of its former employees have joined OpenAI, underscoring the intense competition for AI talent across Silicon Valley.

Apple is seeking a jury trial and has asked the court to block OpenAI from using any confidential Apple information in its hardware development. It is also pursuing financial damages and breach-of-contract claims against both Tan and Liu, alleging they violated the terms of their employment agreements.

The dispute comes as OpenAI is reportedly preparing its first dedicated AI hardware device, making the lawsuit particularly significant. While the company insists the allegations are unfounded, the outcome of the case could influence both its hardware roadmap and one of the AI industry's most closely watched legal battles.