Apple unveils key evidence in trade secret dispute with OpenAI

Apple has uncovered critical evidence in its ongoing trade secret lawsuit against OpenAI, revealing that a former employee, Chang Liu, improperly accessed and used confidential data. Forensic analysis of Liu’s MacBook showed he downloaded a confidential circuit schematic before leaving Apple and used it in his work at OpenAI. The laptop also contained traces of the file, which was later synchronized with a Mac mini via iCloud. Apple is now seeking access to this second device. Liu allegedly instructed a colleague at OpenAI to destroy evidence after learning of an internal investigation, and the colleague confirmed he would comply. Additionally, an engineering tool used at OpenAI shares a name with Apple’s internal development application. Apple claims the evidence disproves claims of a fishing investigation and underscores the urgency of expediting the legal process. The case highlights concerns over the potential for AI agents to inadvertently learn and leak trade secrets. Apple warned that inputting core trade secrets into AI models capable of continuous learning could lead to irreversible data leaks. The company’s findings include Liu using the circuit schematic in March 2026 to run simulations and informing his team that his AI agent had independently reviewed the results. This legal battle now moves toward a more detailed examination of large model trade secrets and former employee misconduct.