Apple Accuses OpenAI of Destroying Evidence in Trade Secret Lawsuit
Apple seeks expedited discovery, claiming OpenAI is destroying evidence amid their lawsuit.
Why it matters: The case highlights rising legal challenges around AI accountability and data custody in tech litigation.
- Apple sued OpenAI on July 10, 2026, for stealing trade secrets to develop AI hardware.
- Apple alleges former employee Chang Liu downloaded confidential schematics and directed evidence destruction.
- Apple has requested expedited discovery citing concerns about OpenAI withholding or destroying evidence.
- A court hearing is scheduled for October 1, 2026, to address the ongoing litigation.
- OpenAI denies possessing or wanting Apple's trade secrets and calls the lawsuit meritless.
On July 10, 2026, Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI alleging that the AI giant stole trade secrets and intellectual property to develop AI hardware, according to MacRumors. The suit names former Apple employees, including hardware lead Tang Tan and electrical engineer Chang Liu, accusing them of funneling confidential information about unreleased Apple devices, components, manufacturing processes, and vendor relationships to OpenAI.
Apple’s forensic analysis revealed Liu retained an Apple-issued MacBook after his departure and used it to download sensitive circuit schematics. After Apple launched its internal investigation, Liu allegedly instructed an OpenAI colleague to destroy evidence, a request she reportedly agreed to, as detailed by MacRumors.
In response, Apple has requested expedited discovery to prevent further destruction or withholding of potentially crucial evidence. An Apple spokesperson emphasized their commitment to protecting intellectual property, saying, "At Apple, our teams are constantly developing breakthrough technologies... and protecting their work and intellectual property is something we take very seriously." They added, "We will always defend our teams' hard work and innovations, and we are taking all appropriate steps to do so."
Conversely, OpenAI has sought to dismiss the lawsuit, labeling the accusations "meritless" and asserting they neither possess nor desire Apple's trade secrets, as reported by MacRumors. The legal battle between these tech giants advances toward a court hearing set for October 1, 2026.
This dispute marks a significant moment in legal tensions surrounding AI development, where issues of data custody, accountability, and compliance with discovery protocols come sharply into focus.
By the numbers:
- July 10, 2026 — Date Apple filed the lawsuit against OpenAI
- October 1, 2026 — Scheduled court hearing on the case
- 1 — Former employee (Chang Liu) alleged to have downloaded confidential schematics and directed evidence destruction
Yes, but: OpenAI denies all allegations and has sought to dismiss the lawsuit as meritless, claiming they have no Apple's trade secrets and no intent to acquire them.
What's next: The court hearing on October 1, 2026, will be pivotal in determining the discovery process and potential next steps in the litigation.