Apple Sues OpenAI Over Trade Secret Theft

Apple filed a lawsuit Friday against OpenAI in a California federal court, alleging trade secret theft and breach of contract. The complaint targets OpenAI Chief Hardware Officer Tang Tan, a 24-year Apple veteran, accusing him of using confidential project code names, coaching departing Apple employees to evade security, and soliciting details about unreleased products during recruiting. Apple also alleges former employee Chang Liu failed to return a company laptop and downloaded confidential technical documents after joining OpenAI. The lawsuit comes as OpenAI is rumored to be developing a smartphone to rival the iPhone. Apple is seeking a court order barring OpenAI from using its trade secrets and requiring return of all confidential materials. OpenAI denied interest in competitors' trade secrets.