Apple seeks court ban on OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft

Apple has asked a US court to stop OpenAI from using its alleged trade secrets. The case could affect OpenAI’s plans for new AI devices. But the ChatGPT maker denies wrongdoing, and the legal fight is far from over.

Apple seeks a ban on OpenAI

As reported by Deccan Chronicle, Apple has taken its fight with OpenAI to court. The iPhone maker claims the AI company gained access to private business information through former Apple staff. It wants the court to stop OpenAI from using or sharing the alleged secrets while the case continues. Apple filed its lawsuit in July 2026. The case also names two former Apple employees who later joined OpenAI. Apple claims they helped the AI firm gain access to private details about its products and plans.

The dispute comes as OpenAI works to expand beyond software and into consumer hardware. Apple believes the alleged use of its private information could give its rival an unfair edge in this market. The company has asked the court for a ban on the use of the disputed information. It has also sought faster access to records that may help support its claims.

OpenAI rejects the claims

OpenAI has strongly denied Apple’s claims. The company says it does not need Apple’s trade secrets and is building products that are different from those made by the iPhone maker. OpenAI asked a US judge to dismiss the lawsuit. Its lawyers argued that Apple had not clearly shown which information counted as protected trade secrets or how the company had stolen it.

OpenAI also said Apple was trying to hide its own problems with staff retention and the use of AI in its products. OpenAI did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment on that request to dismiss the case. The legal battle has also raised questions about the movement of staff between major tech firms. Apple claims former workers may have shared private information after moving to OpenAI. The AI firm says hiring skilled workers is normal and does not prove that trade secrets were taken.

Latest court move raises pressure on Apple

The case moved forward in October. Apple and OpenAI faced a key court hearing on October 14. Apple sought an order to stop the alleged use of its secrets, while OpenAI continued to seek the dismissal of the case. OpenAI agreed at the hearing not to use the trade secrets that Apple claims were taken while the legal fight continues. The judge also indicated that an injunction against OpenAI was highly likely, though the final legal position remains important.

Earlier, a judge had allowed Apple faster access to some OpenAI hiring records and messages linked to former company staff. These materials may help them examine what was discussed during job interviews and whether private product details were involved. The court did not grant every request made by Apple. It refused some wider demands for access to OpenAI’s hardware research. This means the company must make a focused case as the process moves on.

Author’s Opinion

This case shows how hard it can be to protect private ideas in a fast-moving tech market. Apple deserves a fair review of its claims, but moving from one company to another is not proof of theft. Clear evidence should guide the final decision.

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