OpenAI pushes back on Apple trade secret lawsuit, says allegations lack evidence

OpenAI pushed back Tuesday against allegations made by Apple in a trade secret lawsuit, questioning the legal basis of the complaint. "While we take these allegations seriously, we're not aware of any evidence that this complaint has merit," OpenAI said in a statement. This is the first time OpenAI has commented on the substance of the lawsuit since Apple filed its 41-page complaint in U.S. District Court last Friday.

Apple's lawsuit, filed on July 10, alleges that OpenAI employees who previously worked at the iPhone maker engaged in a coordinated effort to obtain confidential information and intellectual property. The complaint specifically names OpenAI Chief Hardware Officer Tang Tan, a former Apple veteran of 24 years who held top positions including vice president of product design for the iPhone and Apple Watch.

Hours after Apple filed its initial complaint, OpenAI issued a brief statement saying it had "no interest in other companies' trade secrets," but did not directly address the allegations. Tuesday's statement represents OpenAI's first direct engagement with the merits of the case.

Apple claims in its lawsuit that its internal investigation uncovered evidence that OpenAI and its partners used the company's confidential information as it develops its own hardware product. OpenAI's recent acquisition of Jony Ive's startup io has fueled speculation that the company is working on a device that could compete directly with Apple's business.

Bloomberg reported Tuesday that OpenAI is working on a device described by people familiar with the plans as a "humanlike AI companion" designed for home use. The device reportedly has no screen, includes moving mechanical elements, and is being built with input from several former Apple engineers who worked on the iPhone and Mac.

The lawsuit comes at a pivotal moment as OpenAI transitions from an AI research lab into a consumer hardware company. Hardware development requires significant engineering talent, and OpenAI's growing contingent of former Apple employees is now at the center of the dispute.

As the case moves toward discovery, internal communications and documents from both sides may reveal more details. The outcome could reshape rules around talent mobility and trade secret protections across Silicon Valley.