Apple seeks preliminary injunction against OpenAI in trade secrets case
Apple has requested a preliminary injunction against OpenAI and two former employees, alleging the misappropriation of trade secrets related to consumer hardware. The legal battle centers on concerns that OpenAI is using Apple's proprietary information to develop AI-driven devices that could compete with the iPhone.
Why it matters
This lawsuit underscores the intense competition between major tech firms as they race to define the future of AI-integrated consumer hardware.
Apple on Monday asked a U.S. judge for a preliminary injunction barring two former employees and OpenAI from accessing, acquiring, using or disclosing alleged confidential information as it moves ahead with its trade secrets case.
Apple last month sued OpenAI and the two former employees, both now working for OpenAI, alleging misappropriation of its trade secrets to benefit the ChatGPT-owner’s foray into consumer hardware, a dramatic escalation of already simmering tension between the two companies.
The iPhone maker also filed a concurrent motion on Monday seeking expedited discovery, including production of documents relating to the defendants’ alleged access of Apple’s proprietary and trade secret information.
It asked the judge to order the two former Apple employees named in the lawsuit, Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan, to sit for depositions, along with OpenAI employee Yu-Ting Peng and an unnamed OpenAI employee who previously worked at Apple.
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