# Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Trade Secret Theft Former employee accused of exploiting a rare security flaw to download confidential files. - **Source:** [cybersecurity | TechCrunch](https://brifing.si/source/73fbb25c-5e90-44c9-9a24-7906dc3436cd) - **Published:** 2026-07-13 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/aa6dd77f-3cb7-4912-a61d-515c1f306d71 ## Basis of the Lawsuit Apple alleges that a former employee exploited a rare authentication vulnerability to download sensitive files from the company's shared network folders after joining OpenAI. These files reportedly included details about unreleased products, engineering presentations, and technical specifications. ## Nature of the Security Flaw The vulnerability is classified as a zero-day exploit, meaning Apple had no opportunity to patch it before it was allegedly exploited. Apple claims to have fixed the flaw and terminated the employee's access upon discovery of the breach. ## Actions of the Former Employee Chang Liu, the former employee, allegedly accessed Apple's network repository post-employment and downloaded dozens of confidential files. He is also accused of failing to return his Apple-issued work laptop and using another employee's credentials. ## Corporate Security Measures The incident underscores the importance of immediately deactivating departing employees' access to sensitive data. Companies must enforce strict policies to prevent unauthorized access and potential data breaches. ## Legal Proceedings Apple filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in San Jose, demanding a jury trial. OpenAI has stated it has no interest in other companies' trade secrets. The case may proceed this year. ## Industry Implications This lawsuit highlights the intense competition among tech giants and the critical importance of protecting trade secrets. Companies must review and strengthen their security protocols to prevent similar incidents. ## Sources covering this story - https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/13/apple-says-former-employee-exploited-rare-bug-to-download-confidential-files-after-leaving-for-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._