Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Theft of Trade Secrets by Former Staff

The People and Companies Named

Tang Tan previously worked at Apple as a vice president of product design, contributing to the iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch, according to Tom's Hardware. Chang Liu served at Apple as a senior electrical engineer. The outlet reported that io Products was founded by Tan together with former Apple design chief Jony Ive, Evans Hankey — Ive's successor at Apple — and former Apple designer Scott Cannon.

Tom's Hardware noted that the complaint appears to avoid naming the founders directly, although Ive's name is referenced within a URL cited in the filing. Apple additionally alleges that Tan sought to obtain information from Apple staff, including asking prospective job candidates to bring components for "show and tell" sessions, the outlet reported.

Timeline and Context

Apple states in the complaint that it contacted OpenAI in February with its concerns but received no response, according to Tom's Hardware. The lawsuit was filed on a Friday, the same source reported.

The dispute unfolds against the backdrop of both companies developing AI hardware businesses. The allegations described in the sources have not been tested in court, and the defendants' responses were not detailed in the available coverage. As litigation proceeds, the case may draw attention from technology firms and regulators watching how trade-secret rules apply to talent movement between major AI and consumer-electronics players worldwide.