Apple sues OpenAI after ex-engineer allegedly used bug to steal trade secrets
Ars Technica AI · Ashley Belanger · 2026-07-13
Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI alleging that former employees exploited a software bug to retain unauthorized access to Apple servers and steal confidential trade secrets to help OpenAI launch competing AI-powered devices.
Extraction
Topics: corporate-espionagetrade-secretsai-industry-legalapple-openai-rivalry
Claims
- Apple discovered a rare bug that allowed a terminated employee, Chang Liu, to maintain access to confidential Apple servers for weeks after his departure to OpenAI.
- Apple alleges OpenAI conspired with former Apple employees to steal trade secrets as an 'unlawful shortcut' toward launching competitive AI-powered hardware.
- Apple is seeking multiple injunctions to block OpenAI from using any confidential information allegedly obtained through the scheme.
- The lawsuit implicates at least two former Apple employees, Yu-Ting 'Alyssa' Peng and Chang Liu, who had worked on sensitive Apple product development programs.
Key quotes
OpenAI conspired with former Apple employees as part of a grand scheme to 'take an unlawful shortcut' and launch a line of AI-powered devices as marketable as Apple's iPhone.