OpenAI Counters Apple's Trade Secret Lawsuit, Alleging Gaps in Apple's Information Security

Huo Xing Cai Jing reports that, according to TechCrunch, OpenAI is countering Apple’s lawsuit over alleged trade secret leaks, arguing that Apple’s own information security practices and offboarding procedures have vulnerabilities and fail to demonstrate that the alleged information constitutes protected trade secrets. Previously, Apple accused OpenAI of obtaining hardware-related confidential information through former employees who defected from Apple and requested the court expedite evidence discovery. In its latest legal filing, OpenAI stated that Apple permitted employees to use personal iCloud accounts for work-related materials and failed to promptly revoke access upon their departure. OpenAI also noted that Apple has not specified any particular trade secrets allegedly stolen, instead making vague references to product development processes, supply chains, and testing. OpenAI contends that Apple’s lawsuit is primarily aimed at limiting its growth in the AI hardware sector and denies that the company needed or used Apple’s trade secrets. The core dispute centers on employee mobility, intellectual property protection, and competition in the AI hardware field.