Apple alleges OpenAI employee accessed circuit plans after joining startup
Apple says forensic review of a former engineer’s MacBook shows confidential files were used in OpenAI work, bolstering its bid for faster discovery.
- On Monday, Apple alleged in a federal court filing that former engineer Chang Liu accessed a proprietary power converter circuit schematic while working at OpenAI, calling the discovery "shocking evidence" warranting expedited discovery.
- An "initial forensic analysis" of the MacBook, provided by OpenAI on August 21, revealed Liu downloaded confidential files and used a tool matching an internal Apple application. Evidence refutes defense arguments that the device's data would disprove Apple's claims.
- Liu allegedly used the circuit schematic in March 2026 to run simulations in LTspice, an electrical engineering tool. In messages from that time, Liu stated his AI "agent" learned to run LTspice and review results.
- Apple further claims the forensic analysis shows Liu instructed an OpenAI colleague to destroy evidence upon learning of an internal investigation. OpenAI has sought to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming its products are "entirely new."
- Evidence from the laptop proves Apple is not pursuing "fishing expeditions" but uncovering trade-secret misuse. Apple continues pressing the court for expedited discovery to secure depositions and documents from key OpenAI employees and executives.
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Apple accuses ex-engineer of using its trade secrets to train an AI agent at OpenAI - Tech Startups
Apple says a former senior engineer didn’t just take confidential information after leaving the iPhone maker for OpenAI. The company now alleges he used a proprietary Apple circuit schematic in his new job and trained an AI agent to perform […] The post Apple accuses ex-engineer of using its trade secrets to train an AI agent at OpenAI first appeared on Tech Startups.
Apple Says OpenAI Is Destroying Evidence in Trade Secrets Case
Apple Inc. escalated its legal battle against OpenAI, claiming in a new court filing that OpenAI is actively destroying crucial evidence and that former iPhone engineer Chang Liu “not only downloaded a confidential Apple circuit schematic but also used it in his work” at the AI company.
Channel News Asia
Apple alleges OpenAI employee accessed circuit plans after joining startup
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug 31 : Apple on Monday alleged that a defendant in its trade secret case against ChatGPT creator OpenAI accessed a power converter circuit schematic while at OpenAI, according to a filing in U.S. federal court.•Apple alleged that Chang Liu, a former Apple senior system electrical engineer,
Apple reveals 'shocking evidence' from ex-employee's MacBook in OpenAI suit
Apple has filed a new document in its ongoing lawsuit against OpenAI as it continues to push for expedited discovery. In today’s filing, Apple says that it has new “shocking evidence” based on early forensic inspection of a laptop used by former engineer Chang Liu. more…
Apple Says Former Engineer Used Stolen Trade Secrets at OpenAI, Taught AI Agent to Run Them
Apple today submitted new evidence in its lawsuit against OpenAI, with the hope that the new information will persuade the judge to grant an expedited discovery process. Apple filed a theft of trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Tang Tan in July, accusing them of using multiple methods to steal data from Apple. Liu kept an Apple-issued MacBook after he left for OpenAI, and Apple got it back after the lawsuit was filed. A…
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