OpenAI has filed a lawsuit claiming that Apple obtained confidential data regarding its hardware initiatives through a worker who left Apple, worked at OpenAI for six months, and subsequently went back to Apple.
This legal action follows a July complaint where Apple accused two former workers of taking proprietary intellectual property and giving it to OpenAI.
OpenAI asserts that an anonymous staff member brought more than 100 files about its hardware initiatives back to Apple and showed them to Apple executives.
OpenAI Links Alleged Theft to Apple HomeView
The legal complaint ties the alleged trade secret theft to the recently unveiled Apple HomeView smart home hub.
OpenAI has also pursued its own hardware development. Earlier reports indicated the company collaborated with Jony Ive on a smart speaker through LoveFrom and explored creating AI-powered earbuds.
OpenAI states the incident occurred months ago, though this timeline may not have given enough time to heavily shape the design of the HomeView.
Apple Denies Receiving the Files
Apple maintains it has systems in place to stop new hires from using secret data from past employers.
The company rejects the claim that the alleged presentation to executives occurred and states there is no proof the disputed files exist on its servers, though OpenAI challenges this assertion.
In court papers, OpenAI expressed worry that its trade secrets are circulating at Apple and might influence engineers working on future devices.
Lawsuit Could Go to Trial Next Year
The legal battle is expected to reach a trial.
The court proceedings might begin in October of next year, though OpenAI suggests they could start as soon as June.
This case inverts the roles from July, when Apple charged former workers with taking its proprietary data to OpenAI.
