Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Trade Secret Theft by Former Engineer
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the company of conspiring with former Apple employees to steal trade secrets. The complaint alleges that a "rare" bug allowed a former Apple engineer to maintain access to confidential information on Apple servers for weeks after their termination, following their move to OpenAI. Apple seeks injunctions to prevent OpenAI from utilizing the allegedly stolen information, claiming the actions were part of a scheme to fast-track the launch of AI-powered devices.
Apple has initiated legal action against OpenAI, filing a lawsuit on Friday that demands significant penalties. The technology giant alleges that OpenAI conspired with former Apple employees in a scheme to unlawfully acquire trade secrets.
The lawsuit states that Apple discovered a "rare" bug, which reportedly allowed a former employee who joined OpenAI to retain access to confidential information stored on Apple's servers for several weeks post-termination. Apple's complaint contends that this was part of a larger plan by OpenAI to "take an unlawful shortcut" in developing AI-powered devices that could compete with products like the iPhone.
Apple's investigation reportedly uncovered internal messages between Yu-Ting "Alyssa" Peng, who was an Apple employee at the time, and Chang Liu, an engineer. Liu had previously spent eight years at Apple, working on what Apple describes as its "most sensitive product development programs."
The lawsuit seeks several injunctions to block OpenAI from using any confidential information allegedly stolen by these former employees.
(Source: Ars Technica)
