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Coverage· Apple· Published Sep 1, 2026

OpenAI Denies Apple Trade-Secret Claims and Calls Dispute Apple's Own Making

In a filing with the U.S. District Court in San Jose, California, OpenAI denied Apple’s trade-secret allegations and challenged Apple’s evidence and offboarding practices. A hearing is scheduled for October 1, 2026.

Coverage

DNA Brief

Signal Summary

OpenAI argued that Apple has not shown confidential information was stolen by former employees Chang Liu and Tang Tan, and defended hiring former Apple staff. Apple has submitted new forensic evidence and accused Liu and Tan of taking trade secrets involving hardware design, manufacturing, and supply-chain operations. OpenAI also said the lawsuit, filed in July, is intended to slow a rival and deter further departures.

Why It Matters

The dispute now turns on whether Apple can connect employee departures to an actual theft of confidential information, as well as how the companies handled evidence and offboarding. The court has not ruled on OpenAI’s arguments or established that any information was stolen, making the October 1 hearing the next stated procedural milestone.

Evidence

Start with the primary evidence, then review supporting sources and context.

1 items

Primary Evidence

1
  • MacRumorsDocumentOriginal

    Dispute With OpenAI Said to Be a 'Mess of Apple's Own Making'

    Hartley Charlton

    “OpenAI yesterday denied Apple's allegations of trade secret theft, telling a federal court that Apple failed to show any confidential information was actually stolen by its former employees, according to Reuters . In a new filing submitted to the U.S.…”
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