Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Theft of Confidential Hardware Designs by Former Engineer

Key Points

• Apple sued OpenAI on Friday, alleging it used trade secrets stolen by former Apple engineer Chang Liu.
• Liu discovered an authentication bug on February 9 that let him access Apple’s network folders with a laptop he should have returned.
• The lawsuit claims Liu downloaded dozens of confidential hardware files, including circuit‑board designs and engineering presentations.
• Apple seeks injunctions to block OpenAI from using the data and requests damages for the alleged theft.
• Apple says the bug was quickly patched and that no other users exploited it beyond Liu.
• Internal messages show Liu mocking the bug and confirming continued access while working at OpenAI.
• The case highlights rising legal battles over AI firms’ use of proprietary corporate information.