Full Breakdown
Apple Seeks Preliminary Injunction in Trade-Secrets Fight With OpenAI
8/4/2026, 9:20:10 PM
Core Allegations and New Evidence
Apple has asked a U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California for a preliminary injunction that would bar former Apple engineers Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan, now employed by OpenAI, as well as OpenAI and its commercial arm io Products, from accessing, using, or disclosing Apple’s alleged confidential information. The request, filed on August 3, follows Apple’s earlier complaint that accused the two ex-employees of misappropriating trade secrets to aid OpenAI’s push into consumer-hardware devices.
Apple also alleges that a former employee took screenshots of confidential documents prior to an OpenAI interview and that several ex-Apple staff have since offered to return Apple-issued devices they retained after leaving.
Official Statements & Responses
Apple’s filing asserts that the company would suffer “irreparable harm” without a preliminary injunction. The firm also seeks expedited discovery, including depositions of Liu, Tan, Peng and an unnamed former Apple employee now at OpenAI, as well as production of documents showing any access to Apple’s proprietary data.
The AI lab also highlighted a prior mistake by Apple’s outside counsel, which mistakenly emailed OpenAI’s general counsel after confusing two similar Asian surnames.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Apple’s request for a preliminary injunction is both based on false information and completely unnecessary because we do not have, nor want, any of their trade secrets,” — Tang Tan. OpenAI, former design executive
- “Apple had claimed that they contacted OpenAI in February and that we didn't respond,” — Tang Tan. OpenAI, former design executive
- “They now admit that their outside lawyers emailed the wrong person after confusing two Asian last names—only after we brought this to their attention.” — Tang Tan. OpenAI, former design executive
- “This is a common issue with Apple which is caused by them failing to properly manage system access when people leave,” — Tang Tan. OpenAI, former design executive
What’s Next
Apple’s motion for a preliminary injunction remains pending, and the company has asked the judge to order expedited depositions and document production. OpenAI has indicated it will continue to contest the allegations, emphasizing that it possesses “receipts” to refute Apple’s claims. The outcome will shape the emerging legal landscape around AI-driven consumer hardware and the protection of corporate trade secrets.
