Apple sues OpenAI, its employees claiming theft of trade secrets
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging a pattern of trade secret theft involving former Apple employees who joined the AI company. The suit also names io Products and two former Apple executives, claiming they misappropriated confidential product development information.
Why it matters
This legal battle signals a major shift in the relationship between two tech giants and highlights the intense competition for talent and intellectual property in the AI sector.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Apple CEO Tim cook is leaving the role later this year.
Apple has accused OpenAI of gaining access to valuable inside information through the hiring of its former employees.
In a federal lawsuit filed on Friday, Apple sued the artificial intelligence (AI) company, two of its employees, as well as io Products, claiming it has engaged in "a pattern of theft" of Apple's confidential product development and related work.
At least two long-time Apple workers who left the company to join OpenAI allegedly took part in this pattern by, in part, emailing themselves internal Apple information.
Drew Pusateri, a spokesman for OpenAI, told the BBC: "We have no interest in other companies' trade secrets."
Pusateri added that the company, which is currently reviewing Apple's complaint, is "focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere."
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