OpenAI has filed a motion to dismiss Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit, arguing that Apple’s own security and offboarding practices undermine its claim that the information in question qualifies as legally protected. Apple’s complaint, filed in July, alleged that OpenAI orchestrated a scheme to obtain confidential hardware information through former Apple engineers. Apple recently asked the court to expedite discovery, citing an internal investigation suggesting additional former employees may have been involved.
In its filing, OpenAI claimed Apple permitted employees to use personal iCloud accounts for work without properly revoking access after departures, submitting records showing an Apple manager remained logged into former engineer Chang Liu’s personal account after he left, later seeking his help with technical questions. OpenAI argued Apple’s complaint omitted these internal management failures, contending that any access issues stemmed from Apple’s own practices rather than theft.
OpenAI further argued that Apple failed to identify specific trade secrets, instead referencing broad categories like manufacturing and supplier relationships. The filing characterized the lawsuit as an attempt to slow OpenAI’s hardware ambitions rather than protect genuine secrets, stating the company has no interest in Apple’s proprietary information but does seek to hire top engineering talent drawn to its work. OpenAI argued Apple should not use litigation to offset its own struggles retaining employees and integrating AI into its products.
