Apple filed a federal lawsuit on Friday against OpenAI, two former employees and io Products, alleging that the parties misappropriated Apple's confidential product development information. Tim Cook, Apple's chief executive, announced his departure later this year, and earlier in the year Apple integrated OpenAI's ChatGPT into its devices before shifting some AI features to Google's Gemini model. The lawsuit marks a new phase in the relationship between the two technology firms. The complaint, filed in a U.S. federal court, alleges that at least two former Apple engineers emailed internal Apple documents to themselves after leaving the company and joining OpenAI. Apple further contends that OpenAI interviewers have asked prospective hires to bring Apple parts as props during interviews. The suit also names Chang Liu, a senior electrical engineer who worked at Apple for eight years, and Tang Yew Tan, a vice president of design for iPhone and Apple Watch who now serves as OpenAI's chief hardware officer, as defendants. Apple argues that the defendants used access to sensitive projects, trusted partner relationships, proprietary manufacturing techniques and unreleased products to gain insight into its product plans, and that this conduct enabled OpenAI to advance its hardware ambitions. OpenAI's spokesman, Drew Pusateri, told the BBC that the company has no interest in other companies' trade secrets and that it is reviewing the complaint while focusing on building innovative technology. An Apple representative said the lawsuit stems from significant evidence and described the actions as part of a coordinated effort by OpenAI and its affiliates. The complaint seeks a court order prohibiting OpenAI from obtaining or using any alleged confidential information and requests unspecified monetary damages. OpenAI is expected to release its first hardware product, a keyboard for its AI tools, later this month, and has indicated plans to pursue a public listing. The case is pending.