# Apple vs OpenAI: Trade Secrets Battle Escalates Apple alleges former employee stole confidential data for OpenAI's benefit - **Source:** [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com) - **Published:** 2026-09-01 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a4e8d866-c7a1-4b6e-8eb9-4b812b190a7f ## The Allegations Apple has filed shocking new evidence in its lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing former employee Chang Liu of stealing trade secrets. The company claims Liu accessed confidential Apple files, including a circuit schematic, after joining OpenAI. Apple alleges these files were used in Liu's work at OpenAI, with the AI company being 'well-aware' of his access. The case centers on whether Liu improperly transferred proprietary information to benefit OpenAI's hardware development. ## The Smoking Gun Key evidence comes from Liu's old Apple work laptop, which allegedly shows he downloaded dozens of confidential files after leaving Apple. Forensic investigation revealed Liu used tools with names identical to Apple's internal engineering applications. Apple claims this proves intentional misuse of proprietary information. The laptop also allegedly contains evidence that Liu tried to destroy forensic evidence when he learned about Apple's investigation. ## The Cover-Up Attempt Apple alleges Liu directed an OpenAI colleague, Yu-Ting Peng, to help 'restore' (erase) Apple-issued devices in June 2026 when he became aware of the investigation. The company claims this was an attempt to destroy evidence. Text messages from Liu, punctuated with laughing emojis, suggest he knew he still had access to Apple files. Apple argues these actions demonstrate consciousness of guilt regarding the alleged trade secret theft. ## OpenAI's Defense OpenAI claims Liu only accessed Apple files after leaving to help former colleagues who requested assistance. They argue Apple is shifting blame for its own failure to properly manage system access when employees depart. OpenAI calls Apple's charges 'careless, aggressive and oddly personal,' denying any wrongdoing. The company maintains this is a common issue caused by Apple's poor access management systems rather than malicious intent. ## Authentication Bug Claim Apple counters that Liu maintained access not due to poor systems but by exploiting 'a rare, previously unknown authentication bug.' This technical detail could be crucial in determining whether Liu's actions were intentional. The company suggests this wasn't residual access but deliberate circumvention of security measures. This claim positions the incident as potential hacking rather than accidental access. ## Expanding Lawsuit Apple has expanded its claims to include 11 former employees allegedly sharing trade secrets with OpenAI. The company is seeking expedited discovery, suggesting more employees may be implicated. Apple filed for a preliminary injunction to block OpenAI from working on hardware based on Apple's technology during the case. This aggressive legal strategy indicates Apple views this as a serious threat to its intellectual property. ## Industry Implications The case highlights growing tensions between tech giants and AI companies over talent poaching and intellectual property. With AI hardware development accelerating, trade secret disputes are becoming more common. The outcome could set precedents for how companies protect proprietary information when employees join competitors. It also raises questions about corporate responsibility in managing system access for departed employees. ## What's Next The court will consider Apple's request for a preliminary injunction and expedited discovery. If granted, OpenAI could face immediate restrictions on certain hardware development. Meanwhile, forensic analysis of the laptop and other evidence will continue. The case's outcome may hinge on whether Apple can prove intentional misuse versus accidental access. This high-stakes battle could have lasting impacts on tech industry hiring practices and IP protection. ## Sources covering this story - [TechCrunch — Apple, eski çalışanı hakkında 'şok edici kanıtlar' paylaştı](https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/31/apple-shares-shocking-evidence-against-former-employee-accused-of-stealing-company-data-for-openai/) - [Engadget - Technology News & Expert Reviews — Apple, OpenAI'ye Karşı Ticari Sır Davasını Genişletti](https://www.engadget.com/2248199/apple-adds-more-allegations-to-its-trade-secrets-lawsuit-against-openai/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._