Apple Alleges Former Engineer Used Trade Secrets in OpenAI Work

Apple submitted further evidence in its trade-secret lawsuit against OpenAI and former Apple employees Chang Liu and Tang Tan, alleging that Liu retained access to Apple materials after joining OpenAI in January 2026. Apple said forensic analysis of an Apple-issued MacBook found Liu downloaded a confidential circuit schematic and used it in OpenAI-related power-conversion work; the company also alleges Liu accessed Apple third-party cloud storage without authorization and instructed an OpenAI colleague to destroy evidence after learning of Apple’s internal investigation. Apple is seeking expedited discovery, damages, and an injunction barring use of its proprietary material.

OpenAI denies possessing or wanting Apple’s trade secrets and has moved to dismiss the case. It argues that Apple’s use of personal iCloud accounts for work and rapid employee offboarding may have allowed former staff to retain document access without establishing intentional theft. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila is scheduled to hear arguments on October 1, 2026.