OpenAI denies Apple trade secret theft, publishes chat logs

OpenAI filed a scathing legal response on August 4, 2026, denying Apple’s trade secret theft allegations and calling the lawsuit “careless, aggressive and oddly personal.” The ChatGPT-maker published internal chat logs and emails to counter claims that it hired former Apple employees to obtain confidential information.

The dispute centers on two former Apple employees, Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan, who now work at OpenAI. Apple sued OpenAI and the two individuals in July, alleging Liu surreptitiously accessed and downloaded dozens of confidential hardware-related files, including details about unreleased products, engineering presentations, and proprietary project data. Apple also claimed Tan directed job candidates still at Apple to bring “actual parts” to interviews to solicit additional confidential information.

OpenAI’s response argues that Apple’s accusations are unfounded and stem from its own security lapses. The company published communications showing that after Liu left Apple, former colleagues reached out to him for help locating certain confidential information. OpenAI says Apple later admitted its employees contacted Liu but tried to shift blame to “residual access,” a common issue caused by Apple failing to properly manage system access when people leave. As a result, former employees can still access Apple files without intent or awareness.

Regarding Tan, who spent 24 years at Apple as vice president of product design, OpenAI’s defense is less detailed but states he consistently told his team that the company does not want and must not use any confidential information from other firms. OpenAI also disputes Apple’s claim that it tried to contact OpenAI in February about its concerns and received no response, saying Apple emailed the wrong person after confusing two different Asian last names.

The lawsuit, filed in July 2026, accuses OpenAI of poaching employees to gain trade secrets. OpenAI’s filing on August 4 includes chat logs and emails now available on its website, aiming to show that Apple’s allegations are based on misunderstandings and its own security failures. The legal battle highlights tensions between the tech giants as they compete in artificial intelligence.

OpenAI’s response suggests it will vigorously contest the claims, potentially seeking dismissal or sanctions. The case could set precedents for how trade secret laws apply to employee mobility in the AI industry.