OpenAI counters Apple's trade secret lawsuit: Information security management and employee offboarding process flaws weaken legal claims

Odaily News OpenAI stated in its response filing to Apple's trade secret lawsuit that Apple's own information security management and employee offboarding processes contain flaws, undermining its legal claims regarding "misappropriation of trade secrets."

The latest evidence submitted by OpenAI shows that after former Apple engineer Chang Liu left the company, an Apple manager still logged into his personal iCloud account to transfer files and continued to consult him on technical issues related to Apple projects. Apple overlooked its own "inexplicable information management failures" in the complaint, including failing to properly revoke system access for departing employees, leading to access confusion — issues Apple now characterizes as trade secret theft.

Furthermore, OpenAI pointed out that Apple failed to clearly identify the specific "trade secrets" allegedly stolen, instead merely describing broad categories such as component manufacturing, testing, supplier relationships, and distribution channels within its product development process. OpenAI argued that Apple's true motive for filing the lawsuit is to restrict OpenAI's development in the AI hardware space, rather than to protect actual trade secrets. "OpenAI has not used, needed, or sought Apple's trade secrets; the company is building entirely new products that are completely different from Apple's."

OpenAI stated that its ability to attract Apple employees stems from the appeal of its AI innovation direction, and believes Apple should not use litigation to compensate for its own shortcomings in talent competition and AI product strategy.

Apple previously filed the lawsuit in July, accusing OpenAI of obtaining hardware-related confidential information through former employees who moved from Apple to OpenAI. This week, Apple further requested the court to expedite evidence discovery, claiming that internal investigations suggest more former employees may have been involved in or aware of the confidential information acquisition. In its motion to dismiss, OpenAI argued that Apple permitted employees to use personal iCloud accounts for work and failed to promptly revoke related access permissions after employees departed, making it disputable whether the information meets the legal standard of "trade secrets" protected by law. (TechCrunch)