Apple files new evidence in trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI

September 1, 2026 at 03:34 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Apple filed new evidence in its trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging former engineer Chang Liu used a MacBook to download dozens of confidential Apple files after joining OpenAI. The filing claims Liu accessed proprietary schematics and used them in simulations for OpenAI's hardware work. Apple also alleges Liu directed a coworker to restore Apple-issued devices to erase forensic evidence.

Key Facts

Apple's filing centers on former senior system electrical engineer Chang Liu, who allegedly downloaded dozens of confidential Apple files, including a circuit schematic, after leaving the company.
Apple claims Liu used the schematic to run simulations in the course of his work for OpenAI.
Apple alleges Liu directed a coworker at OpenAI to restore Apple-issued devices to erase forensic evidence.
Apple requested expedited discovery in August, expanding its claims to include 11 former employees it alleges shared trade secrets with OpenAI.

New Evidence Filing

Apple filed a support document revealing information found on a MacBook laptop used by former employee Chang Liu after he began working at OpenAI. The filing alleges Liu knew he had access to Apple's third-party cloud storage and used it to download dozens of confidential Apple files, including a circuit schematic. Apple claims Liu used that schematic to run simulations in the course of his work for OpenAI. The laptop also revealed previously unknown instances of stolen information, including references to a tool and software packages with names identical to proprietary internal engineering tools used at Apple.

Alleged Evidence Tampering

Apple claims that after learning he was the subject of an internal investigation, Liu directed a coworker at OpenAI to restore any Apple-issued devices. Apple alleges this was a way to erase forensic evidence that could be used against him.

Lawsuit Background

Apple brought the trade secret lawsuit against OpenAI earlier this year. In August, Apple requested expedited discovery and expanded its claims to include 11 former employees it alleges shared trade secrets with OpenAI. OpenAI responded that Apple's charges were careless, aggressive, and oddly personal, and denied any wrongdoing.