Apple (AAPL) Accuses OpenAI of Evidence Tampering in Trade Secrets Lawsuit

Forensic Examination Uncovers Critical Details

Following Liu’s departure, his Apple-provided MacBook was surrendered to the company’s legal representatives for comprehensive forensic examination. The investigation yielded what Apple characterizes as its most compelling proof to date.

Apple Inc., AAPL

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According to Apple’s allegations, Liu obtained a proprietary circuit schematic and subsequently incorporated it into projects at OpenAI. Digital traces on his laptop further demonstrated persistent access to Apple’s external cloud storage infrastructure well after his employment termination.

The Cupertino-based company asserts that Liu and additional OpenAI personnel were fully cognizant of these unauthorized intrusions. Court documents emphasize that OpenAI only relinquished the laptop following extended postponements spanning several weeks.

Perhaps most damaging is Apple’s allegation that Liu transmitted explicit directives to a fellow OpenAI employee, instructing her to eliminate evidence once he became aware of the investigation. The colleague in question, named as Yu-Ting Peng, reportedly acknowledged and agreed to execute the request, according to Apple’s claims.

Apple maintains the laptop data establishes that “proprietary trade secrets are actively being exploited and evidence systematically eliminated,” representing virtually the sole tangible evidence OpenAI has provided during discovery.

OpenAI Refutes Apple’s Claims

OpenAI has categorically rejected the accusations and is actively pursuing dismissal of the entire case. The AI company maintains it adhered to conventional recruiting protocols when bringing aboard former Apple personnel.

OpenAI’s defense posits that Liu’s post-employment file access occurred solely to provide assistance to previous colleagues who reached out requesting his help. The company has submitted text message evidence supporting this narrative.

Additionally, OpenAI contends Liu’s sustained access resulted from Apple’s failure to properly revoke system credentials upon his exit. Apple counters that Liu deliberately leveraged “an obscure, previously undiscovered authentication vulnerability.”

Apple has repeatedly criticized OpenAI for prolonged delays in producing requested evidence throughout the proceedings.

Apple’s filing also references Liu’s use of a particular tool at OpenAI bearing an identical designation to a proprietary Apple internal engineering platform. Additional specifics about this tool remain undisclosed in public documents.

Relations between Apple and OpenAI have deteriorated significantly over recent months. The friction intensified following OpenAI’s recruitment of Jony Ive, Apple’s legendary former design executive, to spearhead hardware development initiatives.

Reports indicate OpenAI’s inaugural hardware offering will be a doughnut-shaped intelligent speaker, approximately hockey puck-sized, featuring mechanical components that enable movement.

Apple’s legal remedy demands include financial compensation and an injunction preventing OpenAI from utilizing any allegedly misappropriated materials.

The federal court has scheduled oral arguments on Apple’s expedited discovery motion for October 1.