Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that former Apple employees misappropriated Apple trade secrets to support OpenAI’s hardware development. The complaint, filed in a California court, lists OpenAI, IO Products, and two individuals, Tang Tan, OpenAI’s chief hardware officer, and Chang Liu, a former Apple employee who joined OpenAI in January. Apple says it found evidence that OpenAI employees who previously worked at Apple accessed and copied confidential Apple files after their employment ended, including documents describing unreleased products, engineering presentations, technical specifications, and proprietary project data. Liu is accused of instructing a former Apple colleague on how to copy confidential files and suggesting the use of the messaging app Line Messenger to avoid detection. Apple alleges that Tan used Apple confidential information, such as emails about suppliers, to benefit OpenAI, and that OpenAI directed interview candidates to bring CAD designs and prototypes. The suit also alleges that OpenAI targeted Apple’s partner network to replicate proprietary processes. Apple reported that more than 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI and said that OpenAI advised departing Apple staff to inform OpenAI if Apple personnel request any documents. Apple said it contacted OpenAI in February to inquire about its investigation; OpenAI did not respond. OpenAI’s Drew Pusateri told The Verge that the company has no interest in other companies’ trade secrets and is focused on building innovative technology. Apple has not responded to a request for comment.