Apple has initiated legal proceedings against former design engineer Di Liu, accusing him of misappropriating confidential information related to the Apple Vision Pro headset. The lawsuit alleges that Liu copied a substantial amount of proprietary data concerning both released and unreleased technologies associated with the Vision Pro. This information is purported to have been transferred to his personal cloud storage during his tenure at Apple.
According to the complaint, Liu informed Apple of his resignation, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and denying any immediate plans to join another company. However, it was later discovered that he had accepted a position at Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat and developer of augmented reality (AR) products, including smart glasses. Apple contends that had Liu disclosed his new employment, his access to sensitive information would have been promptly revoked.
The lawsuit further claims that Liu deleted files that could directly reveal the extent of the data he allegedly took. Nevertheless, Apple asserts that the overlap between the proprietary information Liu retained and Snap’s AR products indicates an intention to utilize the misappropriated data in his new role.
Apple is seeking the return of the alleged stolen trade secrets and unspecified damages. Notably, Snap Inc. is not accused of any wrongdoing in this case. A spokesperson for Snap stated that the company has reviewed the claims and found no reason to believe they are related to Liu’s employment or conduct at Snap.
This case underscores Apple’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding its intellectual property and maintaining the confidentiality of its product development processes. The company has a history of taking legal action against former employees accused of leaking sensitive information. For instance, in 2022, Apple settled a lawsuit with former design architect Simon Lancaster, who was accused of sharing trade secrets with a journalist. Similarly, in 2023, the Department of Justice charged former Apple engineer Weibao Wang with stealing autonomous technology and fleeing to China.
Apple’s stringent measures to protect its trade secrets are emblematic of its broader culture of secrecy. This culture is designed to maintain a competitive edge and ensure that product innovations are unveiled on the company’s terms. However, it has also been a point of contention, with some employees expressing concerns about the levels of secrecy and the associated pressures.
The outcome of the lawsuit against Di Liu remains to be seen, but it serves as a reminder of the legal and ethical obligations employees have concerning confidential information. Companies like Apple continue to emphasize the importance of adhering to non-disclosure agreements and the potential consequences of violating them.
