OpenAI Response to Apple Lawsuit

OpenAI has issued a public rebuttal to a lawsuit filed by Apple, asserting that the allegations of trade secret misappropriation are based on false information and administrative failures within Apple. OpenAI contends that it does not possess nor desire Apple's trade secrets and characterizes the legal action as "careless, aggressive and oddly personal."

Disputed Communication and Legal Errors

OpenAI claims that Apple's narrative regarding pre-litigation attempts to resolve the issue is inaccurate. According to OpenAI, Apple's outside counsel mistakenly emailed the wrong person after confusing two Asian last names, a fact Apple reportedly admitted only after OpenAI pointed it out.

Furthermore, OpenAI asserts that:

• A claimed discussion between Apple and OpenAI's General Counsel never occurred.
• Apple's legal representatives stated they were "resolving any issues" without ever raising the specific allegations contained in the lawsuit.
• There was a five-month gap of silence from Apple following these initial communications before the lawsuit was filed.

Allegations Regarding Former Employees

OpenAI specifically addresses accusations involving two former Apple employees, Chang Liu and Tang Tan.

Chang Liu and System Access

Apple accused Chang Liu of accessing confidential information after leaving the company. OpenAI counters this by providing iMessage logs suggesting that Apple employees actively reached out to Liu to help them locate files and information for their ongoing work at Apple.

OpenAI argues that any "residual access" Liu may have had was a result of Apple's failure to properly manage system access for departing employees, stating that former staff often retain access to files without wanting them or being aware of them.

Tang Tan and Trade Secrets

Regarding Tang Tan, a 24-year veteran of Apple, OpenAI states that Tan has consistently informed the team that confidential information from other companies must not be used. OpenAI describes Tan as one of the most innovative leaders during his tenure at Apple.

Rejection of Preliminary Injunction

OpenAI has rejected Apple's request for a preliminary injunction, arguing it is unnecessary and based on false premises. The company maintains that its focus remains on building frontier technologies and innovative products rather than utilizing trade secrets from competitors.

"We wish Apple had raised these issues with us before they filed their lawsuit and would have been happy to clarify all of this with them."

OpenAI concludes that Apple is attempting to "change their narrative" by making vague accusations about other former employees as a recurring tactic.