Apple claims more ex-employees may have shared confidential data with OpenAI, seeking expedited discovery.
Apple has filed for a preliminary injunction against OpenAI in a trade secrets case, claiming more former employees may have taken confidential data to the AI maker. The request asks the court to block OpenAI from developing an AI device or products based on Apple’s technology, and Apple also seeks expedited discovery from named employees.
The case centers on senior systems engineer Chang Liu and Chief Hardware Officer Tang Yew Tan, both of whom Apple accuses of misappropriating trade secrets. Apple says its investigation identified 11 other former employees who may have witnessed or joined the scheme, including OpenAI employee Yu-Ting Peng. OpenAI called the injunction request based on false information and unnecessary.
For developers and operators, this dispute adds legal uncertainty around OpenAI’s hardware ambitions, though no product changes are imminent. Companies relying on OpenAI should monitor the case because an injunction could slow partnerships or shift engineering priorities. The outcome may also clarify how courts treat employee mobility between Big Tech and AI startups.
Apple’s motion for a preliminary injunction remains pending, and it is pushing the court to allow expedited discovery to uncover more potential involvement. OpenAI has publicly denied the claims, pointing to Apple’s earlier mistakes, including an email sent to the wrong person. Watch for court decisions on discovery and any new names Apple adds to the complaint.
What matters
- Apple filed for a preliminary injunction against OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft.
- Developers relying on OpenAI risk disruption if courts restrict its hardware ambitions.
- Watch whether Apple names more ex-staff or OpenAI countersues in the coming weeks.
Why it matters
Watch whether Apple names more ex-staff or OpenAI countersues in the coming weeks.
This GenAI News article was prepared in original wording using reporting and materials published by TechCrunch AI. Source reference: https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/04/apple-says-more-ex-employees-may-have-taken-confidential-data-to-openai/.
Drafted by the GenAI News review pipeline.