Apple accuses OpenAI of weaponizing stolen circuit designs and destroying evidence

Apple escalated its trade secret lawsuit against OpenAI this week, submitting evidence that former employee Chang Liu used confidential Apple circuit schematics and internal engineering tools in his current OpenAI role. The allegations emerged after Liu's former Apple laptop was turned over for investigation, revealing what Apple calls coordinated theft and destruction of evidence. Apple claims OpenAI was "well-aware" of Liu's access to proprietary data and that he enlisted colleague Yu-Ting Peng to help destroy evidence in June upon learning of the investigation.

OpenAI has disputed these claims, arguing that Liu's access to Apple files was a systemic issue caused by Apple's poor account management, and that he only retrieved files to assist former colleagues. Apple counters that Liu exploited a previously unknown authentication bug to maintain access. The lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction blocking OpenAI from hardware development using Apple technology, plus expedited discovery—signaling Apple's concern that more of its 400+ former employees now at OpenAI may be involved.