Apple has reportedly expanded its legal campaign against OpenAI by sending preservation letters to around 40 former Apple employees who now work at the artificial intelligence company. The move is part of Apple’s broader trade secrets lawsuit, in which it alleges that confidential hardware information may have been improperly taken to support OpenAI’s growing consumer hardware ambitions.
The letters instruct recipients to preserve documents, communications, and other potentially relevant evidence, while also requesting meetings with Apple’s legal team. The latest step signals that Apple is widening its investigation beyond the individuals named in its original lawsuit and could seek evidence from a much larger group of former employees.
Apple Widens Trade Secrets Investigation
According to reports, Apple has sent legal preservation notices to approximately 40 former employees—roughly 10% of the estimated 400 ex-Apple staff now employed by OpenAI.
The letters require recipients to:
- Preserve documents and electronic communications.
- Retain any records potentially relevant to the lawsuit.
- Participate in meetings with Apple’s lawyers if requested.
Legal preservation letters are commonly used to prevent the destruction of evidence before or during litigation.
Key Developments
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company issuing letters | Apple |
| Recipients | Around 40 former Apple employees now at OpenAI |
| Purpose | Preserve evidence related to trade secrets lawsuit |
| Legal action | Broader investigation into alleged IP theft |
Background: Apple’s Lawsuit Against OpenAI
The legal letters follow Apple’s lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against OpenAI and two former Apple employees.
Apple alleges that:
- Former employees misappropriated confidential hardware information.
- Proprietary product designs and manufacturing processes were improperly accessed.
- Trade secrets benefited OpenAI’s hardware development efforts.
- Recruitment practices encouraged the sharing of confidential information.
Among those named are former Apple executives Tang Tan, now OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer, and Chang Liu, a former Apple engineer. Apple claims the alleged misconduct extends beyond these individuals.
Apple’s Allegations
| Allegation | Apple’s Claim |
|---|---|
| Trade secret theft | Confidential hardware information was taken |
| Recruitment | Former employees were encouraged to share proprietary knowledge |
| Hardware development | Information allegedly benefited OpenAI’s device efforts |
| Scope | Apple believes more employees may possess relevant evidence |
OpenAI Denies Wrongdoing
OpenAI has rejected Apple’s allegations, stating that it has “no interest in other companies’ trade secrets” and remains focused on developing its own technologies.
The company has maintained that its hardware roadmap and research are based on independent innovation rather than proprietary information from competitors. The allegations remain unproven, and the case will ultimately be decided through the legal process.
Potential Impact on OpenAI’s Hardware Plans
The dispute comes at a critical time for OpenAI as it expands beyond software into AI-powered consumer devices.
According to reports, OpenAI is developing a screenless, palm-sized AI device capable of interacting through voice and visual inputs. While the company reportedly does not expect to ship the product this year, the litigation could complicate development timelines, partnerships, and future commercialization efforts.
Potential Business Implications
| Area | Possible Impact |
|---|---|
| Hardware development | Increased legal scrutiny |
| Employee recruitment | Greater compliance requirements |
| Product launch | Potential delays or uncertainty |
| IPO prospects | Added legal risk for investors |
Looking Ahead
Apple’s decision to send legal preservation letters to dozens of former employees significantly expands what is already one of the most closely watched intellectual property disputes in the AI industry. By seeking evidence from a broader pool of former staff, Apple appears to be building a wider case that the alleged misuse of trade secrets extends beyond the individuals originally named in its lawsuit.
For OpenAI, the litigation adds another layer of legal complexity as it pushes into consumer hardware and prepares for future growth initiatives. While Apple maintains that confidential information was misappropriated, OpenAI continues to deny the allegations. The outcome of the case could influence how technology companies recruit talent, protect intellectual property, and compete in the rapidly evolving AI hardware market.
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