Apple vs ChatGPT Creator Heats Up, Ex-Employees Receive Warning Letters

Apple is attempting to close the loophole that led to the alleged leak of company secrets to OpenAI. In addition to filing a lawsuit, the iPhone maker has reportedly sent warning letters to dozens of former employees who now work at the artificial intelligence company.

Last week, Apple filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI and two former employees now working at the AI firm of stealing trade secrets related to Apple’s manufacturing processes and products under development.

One of the defendants named is Tang Tang, OpenAI’s Head of Hardware. The former Apple vice president allegedly directed candidates who were still employed by Apple and in the process of being recruited by OpenAI to share trade secrets. “He directed job candidates who were still working for Apple to bring original parts from Apple into interviews for show-and-tell sessions, during which he and his team at OpenAI probed for further confidential information from Apple,” the lawsuit states.

Another defendant in the lawsuit is Chang Liu, who previously worked on electrical systems at Apple. He is accused of retaining his company-issued laptop after leaving and allegedly downloading dozens of confidential hardware files. In response to the lawsuit, OpenAI has stated it has no interest in the trade secrets of other companies. CEO Sam Altman also posted on X, stating he is not afraid of Apple.

Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, Apple made a new move. According to sources cited by the Financial Times, Apple sent legal hold notices to 40 former employees now working at OpenAI, instructing them to preserve relevant documents and communications. The former employees were also asked to meet with Apple’s lawyers. According to the Financial Times, this step is part of Apple’s effort to gather evidence to support its case.