OpenAI alleges that a former employee took more than 100 files about its product plans before joining Apple. In a filing submitted Wednesday, OpenAI says the unnamed employee sent the information to a personal account, then presented it to Apple leaders, including the vice president of Apple's operations in Asia.
The filing, reported earlier by Reuters, is part of a trade secret dispute between the companies. OpenAI says the files included images of at least one unreleased device, supplier information, engineering data, project files, standards for cosmetic finishes, and reports on the “coating and sealing of hardware components.”
OpenAI links the employee's presentation to Apple's new HomeView smart display and other devices Apple revealed this week. It says the presentation took place months ago and argues that Apple is now making a push into AI-enabled products with that information. OpenAI cites an article and a company announcement about Apple's releases.
That claim does not establish when Apple began developing the devices. Apple's product plans typically run on long timelines, and its smart display had been rumored for years.
Both companies allege trade secret theft
Apple has accused OpenAI of taking confidential documents and spying on hardware prototypes to help develop its own products. OpenAI is now raising its own concerns about where its information went.
“OpenAI is very concerned that its trade secret and confidential information is now circulating inside Apple, where Apple engineers can shape Apple’s upcoming products based on OpenAI’s confidential and innovative work,” OpenAI says.
Apple had not immediately responded to The Verge's request for comment.
