GoKawiilApple denies finding OpenAI trade secrets after rehire allegation
Apple has formally responded to OpenAI's claim that a former employee who moved to Apple took over a hundred confidential files about an unreleased OpenAI device. Apple's court filing states the employee had previously left Apple for OpenAI before returning, and that Apple investigated after OpenAI raised the issue on October 9, finding no evidence of OpenAI confidential information on its systems by October 12.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The dispute adds a new wrinkle to the broader trade secret lawsuit Apple filed earlier this year against former employees, OpenAI and io Products, with each side now accusing the other of improper data handling. Apple's filing also challenges OpenAI's procedural move of raising the allegation without prior notice, suggesting Apple sees it as an attempt to gain leverage in the ongoing litigation rather than a standalone concern.
- Apple says its internal investigation found no evidence supporting OpenAI's confidential information claims.
- The employee in question had left Apple for OpenAI before rejoining Apple in the same Manufacturing Design role.
- Apple argues OpenAI's new allegations are unrelated to the original trade secret lawsuit and were filed without advance notice.
Source: 9to5mac.com — Marcus Mendes, 2026-10-15
Published there as: “Here’s Apple’s official response to OpenAI’s trade secret theft allegations”
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