OpenAI calls Apple’s trade-secret suit a talent-war distraction

OpenAI asked a judge to toss Apple’s lawsuit alleging stolen trade secrets, saying the case is a pretext for Apple’s lag in the AI talent race.

OpenAI submitted a motion seeking dismissal of Apple’s trade-secret lawsuit, characterizing the suit as a baseless attempt to compensate for Apple’s shortcomings in recruiting AI talent. The filing contended that Apple’s allegations, including the claim that over 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI, are merely a pretext. It cited recent high-profile moves by competitors, such as Meta hiring ChatGPT co-creator Shengjia Zhao and acquiring Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang for $15 billion, to illustrate the fierce talent war.

Apple’s complaint specifically accuses former Apple engineer Chang Liu of retaining and accessing confidential data after joining OpenAI in January. OpenAI responded that hiring leading engineers from other firms is routine and that it does not possess Apple’s trade secrets. Apple’s spokesperson said evidence shows OpenAI employees improperly took Apple’s confidential information, but the company has not filed a formal reply, and a judge has yet to rule on the dismissal request.