Apple alleges that former Apple Watch executive Tang Tan visited OpenAI facilities in 2024 carrying unreleased hardware prototypes and components he was developing. The lawsuit claims this individual, who joined the startup after leaving Apple, showed these physical items to OpenAI leadership while simultaneously sharing confidential documents and proprietary design techniques. The complaint further states that OpenAI’s hardware head specifically asked Tan to bring these samples to demonstrate his work. This behaviour allegedly extended to other former Apple employees who interviewed for roles at the company. The filing accuses OpenAI of misappropriating trade secrets and spying on prototypes that were never publicly disclosed.
The core issue is the direct transfer of tangible intellectual property from a major manufacturer to a competitor. Apple argues that the physical nature of the stolen items makes the theft more concrete than typical data breaches involving digital files. The case seeks to establish that OpenAI actively encouraged the sharing of sensitive information rather than accidentally receiving it. If the claims regarding the handover of hardware samples are proven, it could set a significant precedent for how trade secret theft is handled in the artificial intelligence sector.
* Tang Tan served as vice president of the Apple Watch before joining OpenAI
* The lawsuit was filed in a California court in July 2024
* Apple is seeking damages for the alleged misappropriation of trade secrets
