Apple Files Response to OpenAI Trade Secret Claims
Apple says it found no OpenAI confidential information after OpenAI contacted it on October 9, and filed its response on October 15, 2026.
Apple filed a public court response on October 15, 2026, detailing its investigation and rejecting OpenAI's trade secret theft allegations against a former OpenAI employee who returned to Apple, according to 9to5mac.com. The filing includes two supplementary exhibits.
Apple stated that OpenAI made its filing without any notice to Apple. According to Apple, the employee at the center of the allegations had left Apple for OpenAI and subsequently returned to Apple.
Apple said it investigated the issue after OpenAI brought it to the company on October 9. On October 12, Apple wrote to OpenAI to inform it that it had been unable to locate any OpenAI confidential information.
Apple said it requested more specific information from OpenAI to perform alternative searches, but OpenAI did not respond and instead filed Docket No. 176 with the Court. Apple said it is taking appropriate steps, including preservation of evidence, to comply with its legal obligations.
Background
Earlier this year, Apple filed a trade secret misappropriation lawsuit against two former employees, Chang Liu and Tang Tan, as well as OpenAI and io Products. On October 14, 2026, OpenAI filed a new motion alleging that a former employee who departed for Apple sent over a hundred highly confidential files about at least one unreleased OpenAI device to his personal accounts. Soon after OpenAI's filing, Reuters reported that Apple said it has policies in place and found no evidence to support OpenAI's allegations.
Quick answers
When did Apple file its court response?
Apple filed its public court response on October 15, 2026.
What did Apple say about OpenAI's allegations?
Apple said it investigated the issue and was unable to locate any OpenAI confidential information.
What is the lawsuit about?
Earlier this year, Apple filed a trade secret misappropriation lawsuit against two former employees, Chang Liu and Tang Tan, OpenAI, and io Products.