OpenAI has attributed its lack of response to Apple’s allegations of trade secret theft to an internal email mishap. The company claims that a misrouted email prevented it from addressing Apple’s concerns in a timely manner.
Apple has accused OpenAI of systematically recruiting its employees to gain access to confidential information. The lawsuit specifically names former Apple Vice President of Product Design, Tang Yew Tan, and ex-employee Chang Liu. Apple alleges that these individuals took proprietary data to benefit OpenAI’s hardware development initiatives.
According to the lawsuit, Liu failed to return Apple-issued hardware that remained authenticated to access Apple’s networks. He allegedly exploited an authentication bug to access shared network folders and downloaded numerous confidential files, including details about unreleased products and technical specifications. Additionally, Liu is accused of communicating with a current Apple employee, Yu-Ting “Alyssa” Peng, about his plans to access Apple’s information. Peng later joined OpenAI in April 2026.
Tan, who served at Apple for 24 years before becoming OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer, is accused of emailing himself information about Apple’s suppliers before his departure. He allegedly instructed job candidates to bring unreleased Apple hardware components to their OpenAI interviews, including batteries, shields, housings, and back glass components in various colors. Tan also reportedly advised potential hires to avoid informing Apple of their plans to join OpenAI and to remain at Apple as long as possible before transitioning.
Apple’s lawsuit contends that OpenAI’s actions constitute a concerted effort to misappropriate confidential information. The company is seeking a judgment, an injunction against the use and possession of its intellectual property, the return of its property, damages, and royalties for the use of its intellectual property.
OpenAI’s recent statement attributes its previous lack of response to an internal email error, suggesting that the company’s failure to address Apple’s concerns was unintentional. This explanation raises questions about OpenAI’s internal communication processes and its handling of sensitive legal matters.
As this legal battle unfolds, it underscores the critical importance of robust internal communication systems and the need for companies to promptly address allegations of intellectual property theft. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for corporate hiring practices and the protection of trade secrets in the tech industry.
