Apple seeks preliminary injunction against OpenAI to protect trade secrets and stop development of new AI products.
Apple is seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent OpenAI from developing new AI devices or products based on Apple’s proprietary technology. The iPhone maker filed a motion requesting expedited discovery from OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan, as well as the startup io, co-founded by Jony Ive. Apple claims to have uncovered new evidence suggesting that the theft of its intellectual property involves more former employees than originally stated. The filing indicates that several other former Apple staff members may have been witnesses or participants in the other company's trade secrets theft. OpenAI responded to the request by stating that the preliminary injunction is unnecessary because the company does not possess or want Apple's trade secrets. OpenAI also noted that Apple made several errors during the initial contact, including confusing two similar surnames and failing to admit that poor security procedures allowed former employees to maintain residual access to Apple's systems.