Apple's lawsuit claims OpenAI's Tang Tan solicited trade secrets in job interviews
A 41-page complaint alleges OpenAI coached employees to bypass security and steal prototypes.
Apple has filed a blockbuster 41-page lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the AI startup of orchestrating a systematic scheme to steal trade secrets as it prepares to launch its first hardware device next year. The complaint centers on three individuals: Tang Tan, a 24-year Apple veteran who became OpenAI's chief hardware officer after his firm io was acquired; Chang Liu, a former Apple systems engineer who joined OpenAI in January 2026; and Yu-Ting "Alyssa" Peng, another Apple alum who followed in April 2026.
According to the filing, Liu failed to return an Apple-owned computer upon leaving and used an unknown authentication vulnerability to access Apple's network storage weeks later, downloading dozens of confidential files including technical specs and engineering presentations. Peng allegedly kept Liu informed about Apple's projects while still employed, even sharing details about vendor relationships and proprietary designs. Most startlingly, OpenAI's Tang Tan is accused of quizzing job candidates about unreleased Apple products during interviews, with Liu reportedly downloading information from Apple's network to help Peng prepare for her interview. The lawsuit paints a picture of coordinated industrial espionage.
- Chang Liu allegedly kept an Apple computer after leaving and accessed confidential network storage weeks later, downloading dozens of engineering files.
- Yu-Ting Peng is accused of funneling Apple trade secrets about projects and vendors to Liu while he worked on OpenAI's competing hardware.
- Tang Tan reportedly asked interviewees about unreleased Apple products, and Liu helped Peng prepare by downloading info from Apple's network.
Why It Matters
The lawsuit could derail OpenAI's hardware ambitions and set new legal precedents for employee poaching in AI.