GoKawiilOpenAI says Apple's own IT practices caused trade secrets dispute
OpenAI filed a legal response to Apple's lawsuit accusing former employees Chang Liu and Tang Tan of stealing trade secrets to build an AI hardware device. OpenAI argues that Apple's sloppy internal procedures—like allowing personal iCloud use and giving little time to offboard—are responsible for any data access issues, not wrongdoing by the engineers. This comes a day after Apple presented forensic evidence from Liu's MacBook that it called 'shocking.'
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The case highlights growing tension between Apple and OpenAI as both compete in the AI hardware space, and it could set precedent for how courts treat employee mobility versus corporate IP protection. If OpenAI's defense succeeds, it may shift blame in future trade secret disputes toward companies' internal security practices rather than departing employees.
- Apple alleges two former employees stole trade secrets to help OpenAI build an AI device.
- OpenAI counters that Apple's own lax offboarding and IT policies enabled any data access.
- The dispute underscores rising competitive friction between Apple and OpenAI in AI hardware.
Apple MacBook Air (M4) — The forensic star of this legal drama is a MacBook, and Apple's current MacBook Air is the everyday version most people actually want. It's thin, fanless, and handles writing, coding, and Apple Intelligence features on the go. A solid pick whether you're team Apple or just watching the AI hardware race unfold.
See Apple MacBook Air (M4) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: 9to5mac.com — Ben Lovejoy, 2026-09-01
Published there as: “OpenAI calls trade secret dispute ‘a mess of Apple’s own making’”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.