Apple sues OpenAI after ex-engineer allegedly used bug to steal trade secrets
Summary
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the company of using stolen trade secrets taken by former Apple employees who joined OpenAI. Apple says an employee discovered a security bug that allowed him to access and download secret Apple files for weeks after leaving the company.Key Facts
- Apple sued OpenAI over alleged theft of confidential information by former Apple employees now working at OpenAI.
- The complaint centers on Chang Liu, who left Apple in January 2026 and found a bug that let him access Apple’s secure files with an Apple work laptop.
- Liu allegedly downloaded many secret files about unreleased Apple products, hardware designs, and technical details.
- A message from Liu to another employee showed he joked about accessing Apple’s network without permission.
- Apple says it quickly fixed the security bug after discovering the unauthorized access.
- Apple claims this case reveals a larger pattern of former Apple employees stealing trade secrets for OpenAI.
- OpenAI denies the core accusation and says it does not want to use other companies’ secrets; it is reviewing Apple’s complaint.
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed respect for Apple but dismissed fears related to the lawsuit.
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