OpenAI addresses Apple lawsuit over 'trade secret theft' allegations
OpenAI is taking the lawsuit "seriously", but doesn't think the claims have "merit".
OpenAI says is taking Apple's allegations "seriously" but isn't "aware of any evidence" supporting the claim.
Late last week, Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI accusing the company of trade secret theft, alleging that the AI lab stole the iPhone maker's IP to develop its own hardware.
In a new statement to Bloomberg, OpenAI said: "While we take these allegations seriously, we’re not aware of any evidence that this complaint has merit.
"We believe in fair competition and allowing people the freedom to work wherever they choose, and we’re focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere."
The lawsuit comes a couple of years after the two tech giants formed a partnership which saw ChatGPT integrated into the iPhone operating system.
Their relationship cooled after OpenAI's revelation last year that it is exploring plans to develop hardware.
In a legal filing made on Friday (10.07.26), Apple alleged: "At every level, from members of its Technical Staff to its Chief Hardware Officer, and in coordination with business partners, OpenAI has been stealing Apple’s trade secrets and confidential information."
When Apple updates Siri later this year, the assistant will be based on Google's Gemini AI rather than OpenAI's tech.
In the lawsuit, Apple alleged that its former vice president Tang Tan - who is now OpenAI's hardware boss - urged Apple staff interviewing at his current employer to share secrets during the process.
Apple has claimed: "He has directed job candidates still working for Apple to bring ‘actual parts’ from Apple to their interviews for ‘show and tell’ sessions in which he and his team at OpenAI can elicit still more Apple confidential information."
In a statement to CNBC, an Apple spokesperson claimed they had "significant evidence" to suggest "individuals employed by OpenAI wrongfully took Apple’s secret and confidential information regarding our unreleased technologies, processes, and products".
In an initial response, an OpenAI rep commented: "We have no interest in other companies’ trade secrets. We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere."
