OpenAI Hits Back at Apple, Calls Lawsuit ‘Careless’

OpenAI has publicly pushed back against Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit, describing it as “careless, aggressive and oddly personal.” In a detailed response published on its website, the AI company denied Apple’s allegations of trade secret theft and released emails and messages that it says contradict key claims made in the lawsuit.

What Apple Alleges

Apple’s lawsuit accuses OpenAI and two former Apple employees, Chang Liu and Tang Tan, of misappropriating confidential information to Apple’s hardware projects. Apple claims the former employees improperly accessed proprietary data before joining OpenAI and that the information could have been used to support OpenAI’s consumer hardware ambitions. Apple is also seeking a preliminary injunction and expedited discovery as the case moves forward.

OpenAI’s Response

OpenAI strongly denied the accusations, saying it has no interest in Apple’s trade secrets and that the lawsuit misrepresents the facts.

The company argued that:

• Apple employees continued contacting former colleague Chang Liu after he left the company because of Apple’s own internal access-management issues.
• Apple mistakenly contacted the wrong individual during its legal outreach due to confusion over similar surnames, then incorrectly claimed OpenAI had ignored its communications.
• Some allegations, including claims about meetings with OpenAI’s legal team, never occurred.

OpenAI Publishes Supporting Messages

In an unusual move, OpenAI released selected emails and iMessage conversations to support its version of events. The company said the communications demonstrate that Apple has misunderstood or mischaracterized several aspects of the dispute and that the published records provide important context missing from Apple’s complaint.

Growing Tensions Between the Tech Giants

The lawsuit comes amid increasing competition between Apple and OpenAI in the AI hardware space. Their relationship has become increasingly strained following OpenAI’s expansion into consumer devices and its recruitment of several former Apple executives. What was once a high-profile partnership has now evolved into a major legal battle.

What Happens Next?

The dispute will now move through the U.S. court system. Apple is seeking court orders to prevent any alleged use of its confidential information, while OpenAI maintains that the allegations are unfounded and says it will vigorously defend itself. The outcome could have significant implications for competition, employee mobility, and intellectual property disputes in the fast-growing AI industry.