OpenAI Disputes Apple's Claims in Trade Secret Case

OpenAI has issued a response to a lawsuit filed by Apple concerning trade secrets, arguing that Apple's handling of the matter is incorrect. The AI company requested that a court dismiss Apple's application for a temporary restraining order.

According to OpenAI, Apple contacted them in February alleging misuse of trade secrets. OpenAI claims that Apple's external counsel mistakenly sent an email to the wrong recipient due to similar Asian surnames. The company stated they received no further contact for months until Apple initiated legal proceedings.

OpenAI also shared iMessage logs appearing to show Apple employees attempting to access information from former OpenAI employee Chang Liu's files after his departure in January 2026. Discussions in these logs mention file transfers and "residual access," which OpenAI attributes to Apple's own system permission issues.

The company further denied that former Apple employee Tang Tan attempted to obtain or use Apple's trade secrets, highlighting Tan's long tenure and reputation as an innovative leader at Apple.