Apple has widened a trade secrets lawsuit that indirectly involves OpenAI. In a new filing dated August 4, 2026, the company claims more than ten additional former employees may have taken confidential data about unreleased products before moving to OpenAI. Apple is asking the court for expedited discovery.
Key takeaways
- The new filing was submitted on August 4, 2026 in Apple Inc. v. Liu (docket 73602437).
- Apple points to more than eleven additional former employees beyond those originally named.
- Named individuals include Chang Liu (senior systems engineer), Tang Yew Tan (former hardware chief), and Yu-Ting Peng (an OpenAI employee).
- Apple seeks expedited discovery from Liu, Tan, OpenAI, OpenAI's foundation, and the startup io.
- OpenAI says it does not have and does not want Apple's trade secrets.
The expanded lawsuit
The case is docketed as Apple Inc. v. Liu (number 73602437). Apple filed the original complaint on July 10, 2026, and the latest motion on August 4. In it, the company argues that the alleged leak is broader than first assumed: beyond the individuals originally named, more than eleven additional former employees may be involved.
According to court documents, one former employee met with Chang Liu and Yu-Ting Peng before Peng's OpenAI interview to discuss information about unannounced products. Apple also says screenshots of confidential documents on unreleased hardware were taken before an interview.
The company notes that after the suit was filed, several former employees now at OpenAI contacted Apple to return company-issued devices. Apple presents those contacts as evidence that the circle of people with access to sensitive data is wider than the original complaint suggested.
Who the case involves
The named individuals include Chang Liu, described as a senior systems engineer, and Tang Yew Tan, a former executive in charge of hardware. The third named person is Yu-Ting Peng, now an OpenAI employee. Apple wants expedited discovery?expedited discovery: A court-ordered, fast-tracked phase in which the parties exchange evidence and documents before the main proceedings. not only from these people but also from OpenAI itself, its associated foundation, and io — the hardware startup co-founded by Jony Ive, Apple's former lead designer. Pulling io into the motion shows Apple treats the matter as part of a broader flow of people and knowledge from Cupertino into OpenAI's orbit.
| Party | Description | Status in the case |
|---|---|---|
| Chang Liu | senior systems engineer | defendant |
| Tang Yew Tan | former Apple hardware chief | named in discovery motion |
| Yu-Ting Peng | engineer, now at OpenAI | named individual |
| OpenAI and its foundation | employer of the former engineers | named in discovery motion |
| io | hardware startup (Jony Ive) | named in discovery motion |
OpenAI's position
OpenAI rejects the allegations. In a statement, the company stressed that it focuses on its own research rather than anyone else's secrets.
We do not have, nor want, any of their trade secrets.
From OpenAI's statement, quoted by TechCrunch.
Trade secret fights are routine in Silicon Valley
Trade secret suits between technology firms are nothing new — they usually erupt when key engineers move to a rival or a new startup. What stands out here is that OpenAI, which is aggressively recruiting hardware talent, and io, a startup building a dedicated AI device, sit on the other side. For Apple, a company whose edge rests on unreleased hardware, protecting product information is tied directly to its business model.
Why it matters
The dispute shows how much the race for AI hardware products has moved to the level of people and knowledge, not just technology. Engineers moving between Apple, OpenAI, and startups like io create a real risk that confidential product plans leak along with the individuals. Widening the suit to more employees signals that Apple sees this as a systemic problem, not an isolated incident. The outcome could shape how technology firms police departures and enforce confidentiality agreements.
What's next
- The court must rule on Apple's request for expedited discovery against Liu, Tan, OpenAI, its foundation, and io.
- The scope of disclosed documents will show whether the claims against more than eleven additional people hold up.
- io's response, so far absent, will be pivotal, since the startup was formally named in the motion.
Sources
- TechCrunch — Apple says more ex-employees may have taken confidential data to OpenAI
- CourtListener — Apple Inc. v. Liu, Docket No. 73602437
