Apple Accuses OpenAI Employees of Accessing Circuit Diagram Trade Secrets After Departure
nashnova research
Apple alleges in federal court that former engineer Chang Liu accessed an Apple power-converter schematic after joining OpenAI and used proprietary data to train an AI agent — escalating the trade-secret battle between the two companies.
What exactly is Apple alleging?
Former Apple senior systems electrical engineer Chang Liu accessed an Apple power-converter circuit schematic in March 2026, after joining OpenAI.
Apple further claims Liu used Apple proprietary information to train an AI agent — a program that can carry out tasks on its own.
This means → Apple's case is no longer just about taking files; it alleges the secrets were actively used to build new AI capabilities, a far more serious claim.
Where did the key evidence come from?
The evidence came from a MacBook that OpenAI handed over to Apple on August 21 as part of the litigation process.
In plain terms = OpenAI turned over the laptop under legal discovery, and Apple found Liu's access records on it.
Apple is now asking the court to expedite discovery, seeking broader and earlier access to related evidence.
How has OpenAI responded?
OpenAI had previously moved to dismiss Apple's lawsuit, arguing that the products it is building are "entirely new."
As of publication, OpenAI has not commented on the latest allegations.
This means → The next turning point is whether the court grants Apple's request for accelerated discovery — if it does, OpenAI faces significantly greater pressure to produce evidence.
市场有风险，内容仅供研究参考，不构成投资建议。