Apple Sues OpenAI for Stealing Hardware Secrets

机器之心 · wechat · 2026-07-11

Apple has sued OpenAI in a federal court in the Northern District of California, accusing the company of systematically stealing Apple's hardware trade secrets through former employees, recruitment, and supplier relationships to accelerate its own consumer hardware business.

Apple's Main Accusations

The compromised information includes unreleased technologies, features, product specs, engineering demos, and internal project data.
Apple named two former employees: one allegedly failed to return a laptop upon departure, exploited vulnerabilities to access the intranet, and downloaded massive confidential files; the other was accused of funneling supplier info and internal materials to OpenAI before leaving.
Apple also claimed that OpenAI employees solicited confidential info from Apple's suppliers, even asking them to produce samples using Apple's secret metal surface treatment process.

Apple's Demands

Seeking a comprehensive injunction and massive damages.
Demanding OpenAI return and destroy all involved classified materials.
Even requesting the court to force OpenAI to redesign its upcoming hardware products to remove Apple's patented technologies.

OpenAI's Response & Background

OpenAI stated it has no interest in other companies' trade secrets and will continue to focus on tech innovation.
The company currently employs over 400 former Apple staff.
If proven, this case could impact OpenAI's hardware strategy and IPO process.

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Apple Sues OpenAI for Stealing Hardware Secrets

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