Apple files lawsuit accusing ChatGPT maker OpenAI of stealing trade secrets

Apple filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of stealing trade secrets as the iPhone maker tries to build its own hardware for ChatGPT, a move that signals escalating tension between the two companies. In the complaint filed in California federal court, Apple says OpenAI encouraged employees Apple was recruiting to share confidential information, including guidance on how to avoid scrutiny when switching jobs. Apple names two former Apple employees now at OpenAI as defendants: Tang Tan, OpenAI’s chief hardware officer who helped design the iPhone, Apple Watch and iPod, and Chang Liu, an ex-electrical engineer Apple says it entrusted with sensitive product-development efforts before Liu joined OpenAI earlier this year. OpenAI said it is reviewing the filing and denied any interest in other firms’ trade secrets, while accusing the effort of relying on misappropriated information. Apple says it began investigating earlier and claims it found a pattern of theft.