OpenAI disputes Apple's intellectual property theft allegations

Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the company from accessing or using confidential information about hardware products. OpenAI responded by publishing text messages and emails that, according to the company, demonstrate it did not steal Apple's trade secrets. The case involves two former Apple employees now at OpenAI: Tang Tan, who worked 24 years at Apple and is now head of hardware engineering, and Chang Liu, with eight years of prior experience. OpenAI is developing an AI hardware device in collaboration with designer Jony Ive, speculated to be similar to an Amazon Echo. The litigation occurs at a critical moment for OpenAI, which plans an IPO shortly and faces investor uncertainty due to the legal dispute.