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OpenAI seeks investigation rights after alleged Apple data leak

By Drooid · Oct 14, 2026, 10:22 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

OpenAI Accuses Employee

OpenAI accuses a former employee of sending 100 confidential files to Apple accounts.
The transfer occurred on June 2, the employee’s last day at OpenAI.
The employee briefed Apple leaders, including the vice president of operations in Asia, on OpenAI product plans.
A Wednesday hearing before Judge Edward Davila will let OpenAI seek investigation rights.
Apple denies the claims, saying it found no evidence.

Summary

Davila Orders Apple

Judge Edward Davila ordered Apple to receive OpenAI’s hiring interview materials within five days, with a 14-day deadline for others.
The court granted Apple access to LINE messages between Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng from January 1 2026.
The judge denied Apple’s expedited request for OpenAI’s R&D files on metal finishes, power management, and battery functionality.

History

Historical Context

In 2006, Hewlett-Packard’s pretexting scandal exposed corporate espionage, leading a federal judge to issue a court injunction halting illegal investigations of board. U.S. District Judge William Alsut oversaw the case, and Hewlett-Packard ultimately paid a $100 million settlement to the SEC and affected shareholders in 2007. Similarly, today OpenAI accuses former employee Chang Liu of delivering 100 confidential files to Apple executives, with Judge Edward Davila ordering limited evidence disclosure. The precedent suggests the tech sector may face $1 billion-plus trade-secret damages, prompting companies to tighten data-access protocols and anticipate prolonged litigation in future.

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OpenAI Accuses Employee

OpenAI accuses a former employee of sending 100 confidential files to Apple accounts.
The transfer occurred on June 2, the employee’s last day at OpenAI.
The employee briefed Apple leaders, including the vice president of operations in Asia, on OpenAI product plans.
A Wednesday hearing before Judge Edward Davila will let OpenAI seek investigation rights.
Apple denies the claims, saying it found no evidence.

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