OpenAI alleges former employee transferred files in Apple trade-secret dispute

OpenAI alleged in a court filing that an employee sent more than 100 files about an unreleased product to a personal account before leaving for Apple. Apple told Reuters it had found no evidence supporting the allegations.

The filing was submitted on October 13 to federal court in San Jose, California, Reuters reported on October 14. OpenAI alleged that the former employee later presented the unreleased product to senior Apple leadership, saying the presentation took place several months ago.

OpenAI expressed concern that its confidential work could inform future Apple products. Its filing referred to Apple’s HomeView product, introduced this week.

Apple said it has policies and procedures to prevent new employees from using confidential information belonging to previous employers. It also said it had found no evidence substantiating OpenAI’s account.

Apple initiated the lawsuit, alleging that employees moved to OpenAI’s hardware division with confidential information. OpenAI denies those allegations.

The companies have worked together since 2024 to integrate OpenAI technology into Apple products, including Siri.