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Apple sues OpenAI for trade secret theft

8 items2 sourcesupdated 25d agotrend 0

Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI on July 10, 2026, alleging the AI company stole trade secrets related to hardware development by recruiting Apple employees and coercing them to share confidential designs and product information. The suit names OpenAI, Jony Ive's IO Products (acquired by OpenAI in 2025), and two former Apple employees including Tang Tan (OpenAI's chief hardware officer) and Chang Liu.

  • Lawsuit filed July 10, 2026, alleging pattern of trade secret theft by former Apple employees now at OpenAI
  • Defendants include OpenAI, IO Products (acquired by OpenAI in 2025), Tang Tan (chief hardware officer), and Chang Liu (joined January 2026)
  • Apple claims stolen materials include confidential presentations, secret prototypes, product designs, and supplier details
  • Partnership between Apple and OpenAI, struck in 2024 to offer AI services on Apple devices, has collapsed
  • Alleged misconduct directed by OpenAI senior leadership according to Apple's complaint