Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the tech firm’s senior leadership, including Chief Hardware Officer Tang Tan, stole trade secrets from former Apple employees during their recruitment process. The accusations include using Apple’s confidential project code names and asking departing staff to bring in hardware components for interviews.

The timing of this legal action is significant, as OpenAI has reportedly been developing its first hardware product that could potentially compete with the iPhone. This move by Apple aims to protect its intellectual property and ensure the integrity of its innovations.

Apple’s complaint also names Chang Liu, a former senior systems electrical engineer who allegedly failed to return an Apple-issued laptop after leaving for OpenAI in 2026. Additionally, Liu is accused of sharing confidential documents with other Apple employees applying for jobs at OpenAI.

The lawsuit seeks to bar OpenAI from using or disclosing its trade secrets and requires the company to return any confidential materials related to the case. Apple argues that such actions undermine their efforts in developing cutting-edge technology and protect the hard work of their teams.