OpenAI Alleges Ex-Employee Took 100+ Secret Hardware Files Back to Apple

OpenAI alleged in a Wednesday court filing that an unnamed former employee transferred more than 100 confidential files regarding its unreleased hardware to personal accounts before returning to Apple $AAPL after a six-month stint. According to the filing, some documents were transferred just after midnight in Singapore on June 2, which OpenAI claims was the employee's final day at the company. The files allegedly contained detailed images of at least one unreleased OpenAI device, engineering and manufacturing data, supplier information, and specifications for cosmetic finishes and component sealing. OpenAI further alleged that the former staffer presented its product plans months ago to Apple's senior leadership, including its vice president of operations in Asia. OpenAI pointed to Apple's newly announced smart home products and broader AI hardware push as cause for concern, though it has yet to establish that Apple received or used any of the allegedly taken material. Apple stated it has found nothing to support OpenAI's allegations and maintains policies prohibiting employees from bringing former employers' trade secrets into the company. The filing marks a new turn in a legal dispute that began in July, when Apple sued OpenAI and former Apple engineers Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan over alleged theft of confidential hardware engineering information. OpenAI has requested court time to investigate and potentially file counterclaims against Apple, though none have been filed yet. "OpenAI is very concerned that its trade secret and confidential information is now circulating inside Apple, where Apple engineers can shape Apple's upcoming products based on OpenAI's confidential and innovative work." — OpenAI court filing