Apple Orders 40 Ex-Employees at OpenAI to Preserve Records in Trade Secrets Suit
Updated
Updated · Computerworld · Jul 17
Apple Orders 40 Ex-Employees at OpenAI to Preserve Records in Trade Secrets Suit
3 articles · Updated · Computerworld · Jul 17
Summary
Around 40 former Apple employees now at OpenAI received legal hold letters ordering them to preserve messages, emails and documents tied to Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit.
The letters also require meetings with Apple’s lawyers and override normal deletion policies, making destruction of relevant material a legal risk as Apple probes whether misuse of confidential data was broader than a few hires.
Apple’s suit accuses OpenAI and former Apple vice president Tang Tan—now OpenAI’s chief hardware officer—of coordinated efforts to obtain internal Apple information, including project code names, and seeks to block any use of that information in hardware development.
OpenAI says it knows of no evidence supporting the claims and denies any interest in rivals’ trade secrets, but discovery could still complicate its hardware push and add scrutiny ahead of any future IPO.
The case could help define how far former employees can carry product, supply-chain and design knowledge between major tech rivals as AI hardware becomes a new competitive front.
Apple is suing OpenAI for theft while partnering on AI. Can this contradictory relationship possibly survive?
With 40 ex-employees targeted, is the line between experience and corporate secrets about to be redrawn?
Apple Sues OpenAI: The High-Stakes Legal Battle Over Trade Secrets and the Future of AI Devices
Overview
In July 2026, Apple escalated its legal battle with OpenAI by filing a lawsuit against the company and two former senior employees, Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan, accusing them of orchestrating a scheme to steal Apple’s trade secrets for OpenAI’s hardware ambitions. Shortly after, Apple sent communication preservation letters to dozens of OpenAI employees, aiming to secure evidence and prevent data destruction. Apple alleges breach of contract by the ex-employees and seeks an injunction to stop OpenAI from using any Apple information in its AI hardware development, as well as monetary damages. This aggressive legal strategy highlights Apple’s determination to protect its intellectual property.