Apple Accuses Former Engineer of Using Confidential Data at OpenAI
Synopsis
Apple has accused a former engineer of accessing confidential circuit information and using it while developing an AI agent at OpenAI.
Apple has escalated its trade-secret battle with OpenAI, alleging that a former senior engineer accessed a confidential power-converter circuit schematic after joining the AI company and used the information to train an AI agent.
In a filing in a US federal court, Apple identified the former engineer as Chang Liu who previously worked as a senior system electrical engineer at Apple.
The company said Liu accessed the proprietary circuit information in March 2026 while working at OpenAI.
New Evidence From OpenAI-Provided MacBook
Apple said the allegations emerged from forensic evidence obtained from a MacBook that OpenAI provided on August 21 as part of the ongoing legal proceedings. The company is now asking the court to accelerate discovery in the case, arguing that the newly uncovered information warrants quicker access to evidence.
According to Apple’s filing, Liu allegedly downloaded a confidential circuit schematic and related simulation data from Apple’s cloud storage after leaving the company for OpenAI. Apple further claims that he subsequently used the information with LTspice which is an engineering tool used to simulate electrical circuits.
The filing also alleges that an AI agent Liu was developing at OpenAI had learned to operate LTspice, examine simulation results and adjust parameters. It raised questions over whether Apple's proprietary engineering information was being incorporated into AI-assisted hardware development.
OpenAI Disputes Apple’s Claims
The dispute forms part of a broader lawsuit Apple filed on July 10, naming OpenAI and former Apple employees among the defendants. Apple alleges that confidential information connected to its hardware development was improperly accessed and used.
OpenAI has sought to dismiss the lawsuit and has rejected Apple’s characterization of the allegations. In an earlier public response, the company said Apple had failed to properly manage access after employees left and argued that it did not possess or want Apple’s trade secrets.
The latest filing adds another layer to the increasingly contentious dispute as OpenAI expands into consumer hardware. The court will now consider Apple’s request for expedited discovery while the underlying trade-secret claims continue.
Source: Reuters
Vishal is an experienced Editor at Inspirepreneur Magazine with key interests in artificial intelligence, eCommerce, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and startup sector. Prior to joining Inspirepreneur, he was a Content Writer cum Correspondent at Siliconindia Magazine, where he worked on Company Profiles, Cover Stories, Executive Profiles, Feature Articles and Thought Leadership content.
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