Apple Sues OpenAI for Trade Secret Theft on July 10, Names Hardware Chief Tang Tan

According to Bitcoin.com News, Apple sued OpenAI on July 10 in California federal court, alleging the AI firm orchestrated a scheme to obtain Apple's product designs, manufacturing processes and supply chain strategies. The 41-page complaint names Tang Tan, OpenAI's chief hardware officer and a 24-year Apple veteran, and Chang Liu, a former Apple electrical engineer who spent eight years at the company. Apple claims Tan used confidential project code names while recruiting and coached departing employees on evading Apple's security procedures. Liu allegedly failed to return an Apple-issued laptop after joining OpenAI in 2026 and used it to download confidential technical documents.

The stolen material cited includes technical specifications, engineering presentations and a proprietary metal finishing technique allegedly misused in OpenAI's hardware development. Apple is seeking court orders to bar OpenAI from using the trade secrets, force return of confidential materials and preserve evidence. OpenAI denied the allegations, stating it has "no interest in other companies' trade secrets."