OpenAI has released copies of chat messages and emails in an attempt to disprove allegations in Apple’s lawsuit that the AI startup had stolen its trade secrets.
In a blog post titled “Apple is getting this wrong,” OpenAI called the lawsuit “careless, aggressive and oddly personal” and unbefitting its reputation as “one of the greatest companies of all time.”
Apple sued OpenAI in July, claiming that two former executives brought trade secrets with them when they joined the AI startup. Tang Tan left to join OpenAI as chief hardware officer, leading an effort to build a new AI device. The other employee named was Chang Liu, a member of the technical staff.
Apple is now asking a federal judge to stop OpenAI from using alleged trade secrets, according to Bloomberg News.
Last year, OpenAI acquired io, an AI device company founded by legendary Apple designer Jony Ive. Tan is part of io’s founding team. OpenAI’s first AI device is reported to be a portable AI speaker designed to act as a conversational companion.
OpenAI said Tang Tan has made it clear that any Apple information is not wanted and cannot be used. Tan worked at Apple for more than 24 years. Liu was contacted by other Apple employees seeking help in finding information.
Apple said it contacted OpenAI’s general counsel in February but didn’t get a response. OpenAI said Apple’s outside lawyers contacted the wrong person in OpenAI after “confusing two Asian last names.” The law firm also said it spoke to the general counsel, which they now admit never happened.The AI Innovator reached out to Apple for comment.
In its lawsuit, Apple argued that OpenAI’s defense ignores what it says is compelling evidence that former Apple employees improperly accessed and shared Apple’s trade secrets after joining the AI company. Apple alleges ex-engineer Chang Liu repeatedly downloaded thousands of pages of confidential technical documents without authorization, while Chief Hardware Officer Tang Tan solicited proprietary information during recruiting.