OpenAI alleges former employee took files on unreleased device to Apple

OpenAI has accused a former employee who returned to Apple of taking more than 100 highly confidential files related to an unreleased device under development, according to a legal filing submitted Wednesday.

The filing alleged that the files included engineering and manufacturing data, supplier information and internal project documents, according to The Wall Street Journal.

OpenAI claimed the former employee sent some of the files to himself shortly after midnight on June 2, his final day of a six-month stint at the company before returning to Apple, where he previously worked.

The filing also alleges that the former employee presented OpenAI’s product plans to Apple executives, including a vice president of operations in Asia. OpenAI claimed the information may have helped Apple advance its plans for AI-powered products, including smart home devices that it announced Tuesday.

Apple rejected the allegations, saying it found no evidence to support OpenAI’s claims. The company also said OpenAI had not responded to its requests for additional information to assist its own investigation.

Apple also accused OpenAI of trying to divert attention from evidence in the dispute that Apple said shows its own confidential information was taken by employees who left for the AI company.