OpenAI has publicly defended itself against Apple's trade secrets lawsuit, claiming misrepresentation and providing evidence to support its case.
OpenAI Mounts Strong Defense Against Apple’s Claims
OpenAI has formally challenged Apple's trade secrets lawsuit, arguing that the tech giant has misrepresented facts in its legal claims. In a blog post, OpenAI provided a trove of evidence, including emails and text messages, to support its position.
According to OpenAI, Apple incorrectly confused two employees with similar names, mischaracterized their communications, and falsely claimed that Apple's legal representatives consulted with OpenAI’s General Counsel, Che Chang, before initiating the lawsuit.
This legal confrontation began in July after Apple accused OpenAI, along with former Apple employees Chang Liu and Tang Tan, of illegally obtaining proprietary hardware information as OpenAI ventured into consumer hardware. These accusations surfaced following OpenAI's acquisition of Jony Ive's startup, enhancing its hardware development initiatives.
OpenAI rebutted claims related to Chang Liu, who Apple alleges retained a company laptop and misused internal systems to download confidential documents. OpenAI provided evidence indicating that after Liu’s departure, Apple staff continued to reach out to him for assistance, undermining Apple's claims of Liu's improper retention of sensitive data.
In addition, OpenAI refuted the assertion that Tang Tan misused confidential information, emphasizing that he had explicitly been instructed not to bring any proprietary materials from Apple. OpenAI dismissed Apple’s request for a preliminary injunction to restrict its operations, labeling it unnecessary and based on inaccurate information.
“We do not have, nor do we desire, any of their trade secrets,” OpenAI stated. “Our focus is on advancing innovative technologies and products.”
