# Apple Submits New Evidence in OpenAI Trade Secret Lawsuit

**Published:** 2026-09-11T08:52:50.062Z  
**Topic:** OpenAI  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/8dc56067-6006-43f1-8354-ad2b7afb9cb3

Apple has filed new forensic evidence in its trade secret theft lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging a former employee used stolen schematics to train AI agents.

Apple submitted forensic evidence to a federal court on August 31, alleging that former employee Chang Liu used a stolen, confidential circuit schematic to train AI agents for his work at OpenAI [1]. The filing marks a significant escalation in the lawsuit originally launched in July, as Apple seeks an expedited discovery process to secure additional devices and prevent further use of its proprietary data [1].

| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff | Apple |
| Defendant | OpenAI |
| Key Allegation | Trade secret theft and evidence destruction |
| Next Court Date | October 1 |

## Forensic evidence and AI training
The new evidence stems from a forensic analysis of a MacBook that Liu, who departed Apple for OpenAI in January, retained after his resignation [1]. Apple claims that in March, Liu downloaded a highly confidential circuit schematic and utilized it to run simulations via LTspice, an electrical engineering tool [1]. According to the filing, Liu deployed an AI agent to autonomously run these simulations, noting that the agent learned to tune compensation parameters in two hours—a task he claimed previously took him a full day [1].

Apple’s legal team argues that feeding trade secret information into an AI model creates a risk of "irreversible and continually propagating" use of the data [2]. The company further alleges that Liu attempted to conceal his actions by instructing an OpenAI colleague to destroy forensic data after he learned of an internal investigation [1]. Apple is now requesting access to a Mac mini and other devices in Liu’s possession, asserting that the full scope of the alleged misconduct remains unknown [2].

## Legal standing and company responses
The lawsuit, which also names former Apple employee Tang Tan, centers on accusations that OpenAI employees systematically accessed and utilized Apple’s internal intellectual property [1]. OpenAI has moved to dismiss the case, labeling the accusations as "meritless" and "oddly personal" [1]. In its defense, OpenAI claims that Apple’s legal action is a reaction to its own failures in talent retention and AI integration, rather than a legitimate intellectual property dispute [2]. 

OpenAI has maintained that it does not possess or desire Apple’s trade secrets, asserting that its focus remains on building independent, innovative technologies [1]. Regarding Tang Tan, OpenAI argues that Apple has failed to identify any specific trade secret shared with him, which it contends is a requirement for a violation of the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act [2].

## What to watch
*   **October 1 Hearing:** Judge Edward J. Davila is scheduled to hear arguments regarding Apple’s request for expedited discovery and a potential injunction against OpenAI [1].
*   **Device Discovery:** Monitor whether the court grants Apple access to the Mac mini and other personal devices currently held by Liu to determine if further proprietary data was compromised [2].
*   **Evidence Destruction Claims:** Watch for the court's assessment of the alleged communications between Liu and his OpenAI colleague regarding the destruction of forensic data, which could influence the judge's view on the necessity of expedited discovery [1].

The outcome of the October hearing will determine whether Apple can force a broader investigation into OpenAI’s internal systems. The core question remains whether the court will find that the alleged use of schematics in AI training constitutes a permanent, irreparable breach of trade secret protections.

## Sources
1. MacRumors — [Apple Says Former Engineer Used Stolen Trade Secrets at OpenAI, Taught AI Agent to Run Them](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/31/apple-openai-lawsuit-trade-secret-theft-evidence/)
2. Gizmodo — [Apple Claims Former Employee Stole Trade Secrets for OpenAI, Then Tried to Destroy the Evidence](https://gizmodo.com/apple-claims-former-employee-stole-trade-secrets-for-openai-then-tried-to-destroy-the-evidence-2000805641)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Apple Submits New Evidence in OpenAI Trade Secret Lawsuit", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/8dc56067-6006-43f1-8354-ad2b7afb9cb3