Apple has denied accusations from OpenAI that a former employee brought confidential files related to an unreleased OpenAI device to Apple. OpenAI claims that the unnamed employee, who worked for Apple before and after a six-month tenure at OpenAI, sent over 100 confidential files to personal accounts, with some allegedly sent on June 2, the employee's last day at OpenAI. These files reportedly pertained to a product in development that may compete with Apple's technology.
OpenAI also alleged that the former employee presented its product plans to senior Apple executives, including the vice president of operations in Asia, months prior. The company stated that Apple is making a new push into AI-enabled products based on this information.
The allegations were made in a court filing ahead of a case management conference. This development is part of a broader legal case initiated by Apple, which has filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of stealing trade secrets by hiring two former Apple employees who allegedly breached their Intellectual Property Agreement. In a counterclaim, OpenAI is now accusing Apple of stealing its trade secrets.
OpenAI expressed concern that its trade secrets and confidential information may be circulating within Apple, allowing Apple engineers to influence upcoming products based on OpenAI's work. The company indicated that it has raised these concerns with Apple but has not received assurances that Apple is not in possession of its confidential information.
Apple responded to the Washington Examiner, stating that it has found no evidence supporting OpenAI's allegations and characterized the claims as a distraction from evidence showing that the two former Apple employees stole confidential information regarding Apple's unreleased products. Apple noted that OpenAI has not responded to its request for more information to aid in its investigation into the alleged theft of trade secrets. The company emphasized its strict policies prohibiting new employees from using confidential information from previous employers.
The outcome of the legal dispute remains uncertain, and a federal judge will review the allegations from both parties. This legal battle is significant as Apple integrated OpenAI's ChatGPT into its operating systems for iPhones, iPads, and Macs in December 2024. The unreleased OpenAI device at the center of the allegations has not been confirmed, but reports suggest that OpenAI may be developing an AI-powered smartphone that could compete with iPhones in the future.