Apple alleges former employee destroyed evidence after accessing trade secrets for OpenAI

Apple alleges in a legal filing that former employee Chang Liu used a confidential Apple circuit schematic in his work at OpenAI and that he enlisted a colleague to help destroy evidence after learning Apple was investigating him. According to the filing, Liu exploited what Apple describes as a rare, previously unknown authentication bug to maintain continued access to Apple systems after his employment ended. Apple submitted Liu’s former work laptop for investigation earlier this month after his legal counsel provided it, arguing that the device shows evidence of trade secret misuse and destruction of evidence rather than a ‘fishing expedition.’

The company also claims OpenAI was ‘well-aware’ of Liu’s access to Apple data. Apple is seeking a preliminary injunction to block OpenAI from working on hardware based on Apple’s technology while the case is ongoing, as well as expedited discovery to gather additional evidence. In its initial filing, Apple noted that more than 400 former employees now work at OpenAI.

OpenAI has disputed Apple’s allegations, stating in a blog post that Liu only accessed Apple files after leaving to assist former colleagues and that Apple failed to properly manage system access upon his departure. OpenAI added that residual access is a common issue at Apple, attributing it to inadequate access-revocation practices. TechCrunch has requested comment from OpenAI regarding Apple’s newest allegations.