OpenAI Challenges Apple Trade Secrets Suit Over iCloud Access and Offboarding Lapses
Updated
Updated · TechCrunch · Aug 6
OpenAI Challenges Apple Trade Secrets Suit Over iCloud Access and Offboarding Lapses
3 articles · Updated · TechCrunch · Aug 6
Summary
Text messages filed with OpenAI’s motion show an Apple manager stayed logged into former engineer Chang Liu’s personal iCloud after he left, transferred files, and later sought his help on Apple projects.
OpenAI argues those practices — including allowing work on personal iCloud accounts and failing to promptly revoke access — undercut Apple’s claim that the information was protected trade secrets.
The filing also says Apple has not identified specific stolen secrets, instead citing broad categories such as manufacturing, testing, supplier relationships and distribution channels.
Apple, which sued in July and this week sought expedited discovery, says its internal investigation suggests additional former employees may have joined or witnessed the alleged theft.
OpenAI casts the case as an effort to slow a rival in AI hardware and blunt employee departures, with the dispute now turning on whether Apple’s handling of the data weakens its legal claims.