NewsBite analysis · AI, Business, Regulation, Security · Lawsuit
MacRumors
Apple Says Former Engineer Used Stolen Trade Secrets at OpenAI, Taught AI Agent to Run Them
Apple has presented new evidence in its ongoing lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming that former engineer Chang Liu misappropriated trade secrets by using proprietary information in his work after leaving the company. This follows accusations that Liu kept an Apple-issued MacBook and used it to download and manipulate confidential circuit schematics at OpenAI. Apple argues that the evidence suggests active use of its trade secrets and the destruction of evidence, prompting them to seek expedited discovery from the court. OpenAI dismisses the allegations as unfounded and self-serving, insisting they have no need for Apple's trade secrets.
MonitorConfidence: HighShort term horizonReputational risk: High
Published 31 Aug 2026, 22:45 UTC3 min read
Visit original article ↗Lead image — MacRumors
Summary
TL;DR
- Apple files an updated lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing it of trade secret theft.
- Former employee Chang Liu allegedly downloaded proprietary Apple data.
- Forensic analysis revealed Liu's use of Apple's schematics in simulations.
- Liu reportedly instructed OpenAI colleagues to destroy evidence.
- OpenAI claims the lawsuit is 'meritless' and 'aggressive'.
Interesting facts
- Liu used an engineering application known to be internal to Apple's development process.
- The evidence obtained from the MacBook supports Apple's claims of ongoing trade secret exploitation.