Apple sued OpenAI, accusing the ChatGPT developer of stealing trade secrets through former employees. OpenAI’s blog post rebuttal calls the lawsuit 'careless, aggressive, and oddly personal,' highlighting procedural flaws in Apple’s claims. The post argues Apple failed to notify OpenAI properly before filing, citing a mix-up in email addresses and a non-existent meeting with OpenAI’s General Counsel.

OpenAI also points out Apple’s own mishandling of residual employee access, noting that former staffers like Chang Liu and Tang Tan sought information voluntarily after leaving Apple. OpenAI emphasizes it has no intent to misuse trade secrets and offered to resolve issues, but Apple refused dialogue. The response includes email evidence and defends Tang Tan, a key figure in Apple’s complaint, as someone who explicitly avoided using confidential data.

Apple’s legal team has yet to respond.