Via cnet.com
The AI company calls Apple's allegations 'careless, aggressive and oddly personal' in a detailed public response to the July lawsuit
OpenAI has fired back at Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit with the corporate equivalent of “calm down.” In a blog post published on August 3, 2026, OpenAI called Apple’s allegations “careless, aggressive and oddly personal,” rejecting claims that it systematically stole proprietary technology from one of the world’s most valuable companies.
What Apple is alleging #
Apple filed its lawsuit on July 10, 2026, in California, claiming OpenAI conspired with former Apple employees to misappropriate trade secrets related to unreleased technologies. The suit centers on two individuals in particular: Tang Yew Tan, who Apple says served as its Chief Hardware Officer for over 24 years before joining OpenAI, and Chang Liu, whose last day at Apple was January 22, 2026.
The core of Apple’s argument is that the theft wasn’t incidental. It was systematic, spanning multiple levels within OpenAI. Apple is seeking a preliminary injunction, essentially asking a court to intervene before the case even goes to trial.
OpenAI’s point-by-point rebuttal #
OpenAI’s response made several key assertions. First, OpenAI says it possesses no Apple trade secrets, explicitly denying any reliance on Apple’s proprietary technologies. Second, OpenAI addressed the communications Apple cited as evidence of conspiracy, characterizing them as miscommunications where Apple employees contacted OpenAI’s former Apple staff after they had already departed, with those ex-employees providing legitimate post-employment assistance. Third, OpenAI disclosed that it had tried to resolve the matter amicably before Apple went to court. OpenAI also characterized the preliminary injunction sought by Apple as unnecessary, arguing there’s nothing to enjoin because no trade secrets were taken.
The broader talent war in AI #
OpenAI successfully defended itself against similar trade secret allegations brought by Elon Musk’s xAI, establishing something of a pattern: as OpenAI scales up and attracts top-tier talent from competitors, those competitors are increasingly turning to the courts.
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