# 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/c02cd83f-821f-448f-85fb-b0dd1847876a

Apple has filed new forensic evidence in its trade secret theft lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging former employees misused confidential circuit schematics.

Apple has submitted forensic evidence to a U.S. District Court, alleging that former employee Chang Liu used a stolen confidential circuit schematic to develop hardware for OpenAI after his departure [1]. The filing marks a significant escalation in Apple’s legal battle against the ChatGPT-maker, as the company seeks an expedited discovery process to investigate further potential data misappropriation [1].

| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Primary Defendants | OpenAI, Chang Liu, Tang Tan |
| Case Status | Pending discovery arguments |
| Hearing Date | October 1 |
| Alleged Misconduct | Unauthorized cloud access, data theft |

## Forensic evidence and the discovery dispute
Apple’s latest filing claims that forensic analysis of a MacBook retained by Liu after he joined OpenAI revealed he accessed Apple’s internal network storage through an authentication vulnerability [1]. According to the filing, Liu downloaded confidential files—including a circuit schematic—which he later used to train an AI agent to run simulations for power conversion development [1]. Apple asserts that Liu attempted to destroy evidence upon learning of an internal investigation, an act the company cites as proof that its trade secrets are being actively exploited [1].

OpenAI has moved to dismiss the lawsuit, characterizing the allegations as "meritless" and "careless" [1]. In its motion, OpenAI argues that Apple has failed to demonstrate the existence of protectable trade secrets or provide evidence of ongoing harm [2]. The company maintains that it has no interest in Apple’s proprietary data, stating that its focus remains on building innovative technologies distinct from Apple's product line [2]. OpenAI further contends that the interactions between Liu and his former colleagues were professional consultations rather than unauthorized data transfers [2].

## Strategic implications for hardware competition
The lawsuit highlights the intensifying competition between the two tech giants as OpenAI expands into consumer hardware [2]. While the case focuses on Liu and former Apple vice president Tang Tan, observers note that Apple has notably excluded other high-profile departures from its legal action, including former design chief Jony Ive [3]. Analysts suggest this restraint may be linked to complex professional and personal relationships within the industry, as over 400 employees have reportedly moved from Apple to OpenAI [3]. 

Apple argues that its complaint sufficiently identifies specific misappropriated secrets and that OpenAI’s attempt to dismiss the case relies on speculation [2]. The court is currently weighing whether to grant an injunction that would restrict OpenAI’s use of the contested information while the litigation proceeds [3].

## What to watch
* **October 1 Hearing:** Judge Edward J. Davila is scheduled to hear arguments regarding the request for expedited discovery and the motion to dismiss [1].
* **Device Investigation:** The court’s decision on whether to allow Apple to inspect the Mac mini and other devices currently in Liu’s possession [1].
* **Injunction Status:** A ruling on Apple’s request for a preliminary injunction, which aims to slow OpenAI’s hardware development efforts while the case is pending [3].

The central question remains whether Apple can prove that its internal schematics were systematically exploited to accelerate OpenAI’s hardware ambitions, or if the court will accept OpenAI’s defense that the allegations lack the necessary legal threshold for trade secret misappropriation [1, 2].

## 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. Mint — [‘Misappropriation sufficiently identified': Apple responds to OpenAI’s trade secrets theft lawsuit dismissal request](https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/apple-responds-to-openai-s-trade-secrets-theft-lawsuit-dismissal-request-11787212803043.html)
3. heise online — [Lawsuit against OpenAI: Why Apple is leaving Jony Ive out](https://www.heise.de/en/news/Lawsuit-against-OpenAI-Why-Apple-is-leaving-Jony-Ive-out-11443621.html)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Apple Submits New Evidence in OpenAI Trade Secret Lawsuit", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/c02cd83f-821f-448f-85fb-b0dd1847876a