OpenAI has filed a motion to dismiss Apple's lawsuit alleging trade secret theft, calling the case "rotten to the core" and a pretext for Apple's failures in AI and talent retention. The ChatGPT maker argues it has "no use, need or desire for Apple's trade secrets" and is building something "entirely new and different."

OpenAI's filing contends Apple failed to sufficiently describe the alleged trade secrets or prove ownership of protectable information. It also disputes claims that ex-Apple vice president Tang Tan retained confidential documents, stating he kept information to ensure proper offboarding procedures.

The response addresses Apple's allegations against multiple former employees, including Chang Liu, who allegedly retained an Apple-issued laptop and downloaded confidential files. OpenAI dismisses these as "selectively excerpted communications and ordinary conduct stripped of context."

However, leaked information suggests OpenAI's first hardware device may resemble Apple's HomePod, undermining claims of building something entirely distinct. Legal observers suggest a dismissal is unlikely given the specificity of Apple's accusations.