Apple Alleges OpenAI Withheld Evidence in Trade Secrets Lawsuit
Apple is intensifying its legal fight against OpenAI, filing motions for expedited discovery amid allegations that key evidence may have been compromised. In a court filing made public this week, Apple claims OpenAI only recently produced a MacBook used by Chang Liu, one of three former Apple employees at the center of the lawsuit.
According to the filing, the MacBook contained internal discussions referencing the destruction of forensic data that Apple argues it needs to support its claims. Apple alleges OpenAI failed to produce the device in a timely manner, raising concerns about potential spoliation of evidence in the trade secrets case.
The lawsuit centers on allegations that OpenAI recruited Apple employees to help build competing AI technology using stolen proprietary information. The three named former employees—Liu and two others—reportedly joined OpenAI after working on Apple's own AI initiatives.
The case highlights ongoing tensions in the competitive AI talent market, where companies closely guard machine learning expertise and the data that informs their AI development efforts. Apple has positioned the dispute as essential to protecting its investments in AI research and development.
OpenAI has not publicly responded to the specific allegations regarding the MacBook or the timing of its production to Apple's legal team.