OpenAI asks US judge to dismiss Apple's trade secrets lawsuit

OpenAI has formally requested a U.S. judge to dismiss Apple's lawsuit, which alleges that the artificial intelligence company and two former Apple employees misappropriated trade secrets to advance OpenAI's consumer hardware ambitions. OpenAI's legal team argued in a motion filed on Wednesday that the company has "no use, need or desire for Apple's trade secrets" and is focused on developing entirely new technology.

Apple originally sued OpenAI on July 10, claiming a systematic effort to acquire and exploit confidential information through former employees, recruitment practices, and supplier relationships. The iPhone maker also sought a preliminary injunction against OpenAI and former employees Chang Liu and Tang Tan, alleging irreparable harm absent such an order.

In response, OpenAI published a detailed public rebuttal, characterizing the lawsuit as "careless, aggressive and oddly personal." The company shared an email chain suggesting a mix-up in initial contact from Apple's counsel and iMessage exchanges that OpenAI claims show Apple employees seeking information from Liu after his departure. OpenAI also defended Tang Tan, who co-founded io Products, which merged with OpenAI, stating he has always been clear about not using confidential information from other companies.