Apple targets dozens of OpenAI employees with legal letters in escalation of lawsuit

Apple Inc. has escalated its legal battle against OpenAI by sending personal legal warnings to dozens of former employees who now work at the AI company. These letters, sent to approximately 10 percent of the 400 former employees currently at OpenAI, direct individuals to preserve documents and communications and demand meetings with Apple's lawyers. This move is part of Apple's effort to gather evidence for a major lawsuit alleging that OpenAI stole secret hardware plans.

The lawsuit, which was filed recently, accuses OpenAI and two specific individuals of misappropriating trade secrets that could compromise OpenAI's hardware business. This legal conflict arises as OpenAI develops new hardware devices, including a portable smart speaker, and works with former Apple design chief Jony Ive. While Apple claims its current evidence is only the "tip of the iceberg," OpenAI has stated it is unaware of any evidence that the complaint has merit and maintains it has "no interest" in other companies' trade secrets.

This legal dispute marks a significant breakdown in the relationship between the two Silicon Valley giants, who previously collaborated on integrating OpenAI's technology into Siri. The outcome of this litigation could have significant implications for OpenAI as it prepares for a highly anticipated initial public offering and its ambitions to launch a family of AI-driven consumer devices.

(Source：Financial Post)