Apple has escalated its legal battle with OpenAI by seeking a preliminary injunction to halt the AI model maker’s development of products using Apple’s technology. The iPhone maker claims that more of its former employees may be involved in the alleged theft of trade secrets. In a new filing, Apple is requesting expedited discovery from OpenAI, its foundation, and io, the device startup co-founded by Jony Ive. Apple also notes that its investigation has revealed 11 other former employees beyond those initially named in the complaint may have been involved. The filing marks a significant step in Apple’s legal strategy, suggesting new evidence has emerged that the misconduct extends beyond previously identified individuals. Apple is pushing the court to allow for expedited discovery because it believes it has good cause to suspect that there are others involved in the theft of its intellectual property. The company noted that its motion for a preliminary injunction is also pending. Source: techcrunch

Apple’s filing includes specific examples of alleged misconduct, such as a former employee meeting with Chang Liu and Yu-Ting Peng before Peng’s interview at OpenAI and discussing Apple’s proprietary information. Another former employee is said to have taken screenshots of confidential documents related to an unannounced Apple product before an interview at OpenAI. After Apple filed its complaint, multiple former Apple employees now working at OpenAI reached out to discuss returning Apple-issued work devices they kept when they left. These actions suggest a broader pattern of potential involvement in the alleged scheme. Source: techcrunch

OpenAI responded to Apple’s latest filing, stating that the request for a preliminary injunction is based on false information and is unnecessary, as it does not have, nor want, any of Apple’s trade secrets. The AI model maker also pointed to earlier mistakes Apple made, including an email sent to the wrong person due to a confusion in similar surnames. OpenAI alleged that Apple lied about discussing matters with its general counsel and that Apple did not admit to the claim that residual access allowing former employees to access Apple’s system was due to poor security procedures. Source: techcrunch