OpenAI has suggested that Apple could be using its trade secrets, the same kind of material Apple is already suing OpenAI over. In a court filing, OpenAI accused an unnamed former employee of giving sensitive data about an unreleased product to Apple.
The employee joined OpenAI from Apple and returned after six months. OpenAI claims the person sent "over a hundred highly confidential files" to personal accounts, including manufacturing data and detailed images of at least one unreleased product. The former employee allegedly "made a presentation" on OpenAI product plans for Apple's senior leadership "months ago," and OpenAI is worried Apple could use that information to advance its work on AI devices. OpenAI says it has raised these concerns directly with Apple, but Apple has not provided the requested assurances that it does not possess or use OpenAI's confidential information.
OpenAI has asked the court for permission to investigate and pursue counterclaims if necessary. Apple told Reuters it has found no evidence supporting OpenAI's claims and has policies to ensure new employees do not use confidential information from previous employers.
The dispute adds to a tense legal battle that began when Apple sued OpenAI in July. Apple alleges that OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Tang Tan stole trade secrets to develop new AI hardware. OpenAI called the lawsuit "careless, aggressive and oddly personal." The court partially granted Apple's request for expedited discovery, and Judge Edward Davila said he is "highly likely" to grant a preliminary injunction barring OpenAI from using the allegedly stolen trade secrets, a possible setback for OpenAI's hardware efforts, according to Bloomberg.
Source: MacRumors · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing