OpenAI asks court to dismiss Apple trade secrets lawsuit

In short: OpenAI has asked a US court to throw out Apple’s lawsuit that claims OpenAI used ex-Apple staff to take secret hardware information.

What happened

OpenAI filed papers in a federal court in California asking a judge to dismiss Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit. Trade secrets are a company’s private know-how, like plans, supplier details, or designs that are not public.

Apple sued in July and accused OpenAI of using current and former Apple employees to steal information about Apple’s secret hardware projects. Two OpenAI employees who previously worked at Apple, including hardware chief Tang Tan, are named in the case. Apple has also sent legal letters to dozens of former employees now working at OpenAI.

OpenAI says the lawsuit is “baseless” and mainly meant to slow down employees leaving Apple, not to protect real secrets. OpenAI also argues Apple has not clearly identified what confidential information was taken, and says some supplier information can be found legally or publicly.

The dispute is happening as OpenAI prepares its own hardware push. OpenAI bought io Products, a studio founded by former Apple design leader Jony Ive, for $6.4bn last year. The Financial Times has previously reported that OpenAI is planning a small, palm-sized AI gadget with no screen that uses sound and visuals from its surroundings.

Apple has asked the judge for an injunction, which is a court order to stop OpenAI from using any alleged secrets and to preserve evidence. A hearing is scheduled for October.

Why it matters

This case could affect how easily top tech workers can move between rival companies in California, and it may shape how future AI devices are developed and marketed.

Source: Financial Times