# OpenAI Strengthens Defense Against Apple Lawsuit OpenAI responds strongly to Apple's claims of trade secret theft. - **Source:** [CNET](https://brifing.si/source/ce507de7-7f24-4ff4-ab6d-7635abcc095a) - **Published:** 2026-08-04 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c076c074-8849-4820-88a1-665eb1bd5524 ## OpenAI Responds to Apple's Allegations Three weeks ago, Apple filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of stealing trade secrets. In a blog post, OpenAI labeled Apple's lawsuit as 'careless, aggressive, and personal.' Apple claims former employees Chang Liu and Tang Tan accessed proprietary technology after joining OpenAI. OpenAI argues that Apple's security lapses allowed this access. ## Court Process Accelerates Apple requested the U.S. District Court in California to expedite the case and order OpenAI to collect and return all Apple information. This lawsuit could have significant implications as OpenAI prepares to launch its first AI hardware device. OpenAI seeks to dismiss the case, arguing it is based on false claims. ## Email and Message Exchanges OpenAI released selected text and email exchanges between the two companies and their lawyers. These documents suggest Apple made mistakes before filing the lawsuit. Apple's outside counsel, Gabriel Gross, emailed the wrong person at OpenAI in February. OpenAI's general counsel, Che Chang, stated Gross claimed to represent Apple despite never having met him. ## Former Employees' Access Issues OpenAI published messages between Liu and Apple employees after he left Apple. The messages show Liu arranging file transfers on his last day at Apple. Despite no longer working there, Liu was asked for advice on Apple projects. OpenAI argues Apple's 'residual access' issues allowed former employees to improperly access company files. ## Apple's Preliminary Injunction Request Apple filed a preliminary injunction request on Monday night. The request alleges Liu downloaded unauthorized files from Apple's cloud storage between February and April 2026. Liu reportedly accessed third-party cloud storage without authorization and joked about it. Apple claims Liu coached other ex-employees on similar methods. ## The Court's Role The court must determine which multibillion-dollar tech company is telling the truth. OpenAI has a strong motive to prove Apple wrong, as the lawsuit could cause significant financial and reputational damage. OpenAI clarified its position, stating, 'We do not have, nor want, any of their trade secrets.' ## Potential Impacts of the Lawsuit This lawsuit could become a landmark case in the AI industry. OpenAI is pursuing an aggressive defense strategy to refute Apple's claims. The court's decision could shape the future of both companies and industrial competition. OpenAI is doing everything to prove it did not use Apple's trade secrets. ## Conclusion and Significance The lawsuit between Apple and OpenAI has sparked significant attention in the tech world. Both companies are presenting documents and evidence to strengthen their defenses. The court's ruling could set an important precedent regarding AI and trade secrets. OpenAI is working to protect its reputation by denying Apple's allegations. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/openai-apple-lawsuit-released-texts-emails-august-2026-news/ — --- _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._