Apple has filed for a preliminary injunction in its trade-secrets litigation against OpenAI, asking a court to block the AI developer from progressing on any device or other products based on Apple technology. In its latest filing, Apple also alleges that more former employees may have been involved in transferring confidential information.
Parties named and requests made
In the recent court filing, Apple asks for expedited discovery targeting several individuals and entities: OpenAI senior systems engineer Chang Liu and Chief Hardware Officer Tang Yew Tan; OpenAI and its foundation; and io, the hardware startup co-founded by former Apple lead designer Jony Ive.
Investigation turns up additional former Apple staff
Apple says its ongoing investigation has identified 11 additional former Apple employees beyond Liu and Tan who may be witnesses or otherwise involved in the matter. The company also notes previously named individuals in the original complaint, including OpenAI employee Yu-Ting Peng.
According to the filing, Apple has located new evidence suggesting the alleged misconduct extends beyond the employees initially named. The filing describes, for example, a former Apple employee who apparently met with Mr. Liu and Ms. Peng before Ms. Peng’s OpenAI interview and discussed Apple proprietary information related to unannounced products during that meeting. It also alleges that another former Apple employee took screenshots of confidential Apple documents concerning an unannounced product prior to an interview at OpenAI.
Apple further claims that after it filed the lawsuit, multiple former Apple employees now employed at OpenAI contacted Apple to discuss returning company-issued work devices they retained when they left Apple, a development Apple says could indicate broader involvement.
Why Apple wants expedited discovery
Apple contends it has good cause to suspect additional parties were involved in the misappropriation of its intellectual property and is therefore pressing the court to allow expedited discovery. The company’s motion for a preliminary injunction remains pending.
OpenAI’s response
OpenAI publicly disputed Apple’s filings in a blog post, characterizing the injunction request as “based on false information and completely unnecessary because we do not have, nor want, any of their trade secrets.” The company said its focus is on building innovative products and technologies.
OpenAI also pointed to earlier errors by Apple reported in the case, such as sending an email to the wrong person after confusing two similar surnames, and contested Apple’s assertions about communications with its general counsel. The company disputed Apple’s implication that so-called "residual access" by former employees was solely the result of Apple’s poor security practices.
Consequences and next steps
If the court permits expedited discovery, both sides could obtain more rapid access to documents and testimony that may clarify whether and to what extent Apple’s confidential materials were transferred. A granted preliminary injunction would temporarily bar OpenAI from developing products based on Apple technology while the litigation proceeds. The filing marks an escalation in the dispute and indicates further developments may follow as the court considers Apple’s requests.
