Apple's Lawsuit Against OpenAI Raises Questions About Company's Handling of Former Employees' Access

OpenAI has responded to Apple’s lawsuit, accusing the tech giant of mishandling its claims and making false accusations against former employees. The company argues that Apple’s actions do not live up to its reputation for attention to detail.

In February, Apple claimed it had contacted OpenAI about concerns over access to confidential information after a former employee left the company. However, in a recent filing, Apple admitted that outside lawyers emailed the wrong person due to confusion between two Asian last names. This mistake was only brought to light when OpenAI pointed out the error.

Apple also initially claimed it had discussed its allegations with OpenAI’s General Counsel, but later conceded this never happened. What is more concerning is that Apple failed to raise these specific claims during their initial conversation and instead told OpenAI they were ‘resolving any issues’. This lack of transparency has left many wondering what really went on behind the scenes.

The lawsuit accuses Chang Liu, a former employee who left Apple in January 2026, of accessing confidential information. However, emails between Liu and his former colleagues reveal that he was asked to help locate files and information for their work at Apple after leaving the company. This raises questions about how Apple manages system access when employees depart.

Apple’s accusations against Tang Tan, another former employee who served the company for over 24 years, are also under scrutiny. OpenAI argues that Tan has consistently maintained he does not want or need any confidential information from other companies. The company claims it would have been happy to work with Apple to resolve these issues if they had raised them before filing the lawsuit.

OpenAI’s response highlights a series of missteps by Apple, including making vague accusations against former employees and attempting to change its narrative after being called out on its mistakes. The company argues that Apple’s request for a preliminary injunction is based on false information and unnecessary since OpenAI does not possess any trade secrets from the tech giant.

The emails between Apple’s outside counsel, Gabriel Gross, and OpenAI’s General Counsel, Che Chang, reveal a series of miscommunications and errors. Gross initially claimed to have spoken with Chang over the phone but later admitted this was an error due to confusion between two Asian last names. The specific claims in Apple’s lawsuit were never raised during their initial conversation.

A closer look at these emails shows that Gross inadvertently sent a message intended for another former employee, Wang, instead of Che Chang. This mistake led to further confusion and miscommunication between the parties involved. OpenAI argues that this sequence of events raises serious questions about Apple’s handling of its claims and its treatment of former employees.

The emails also reveal that Gross apologized for the confusion caused by his mistake and claimed they were ‘resolving any issues’. However, it is clear from the subsequent exchange that these specific allegations in the lawsuit were never raised during their initial conversation. This lack of transparency has left OpenAI wondering what really went on behind the scenes.

OpenAI’s response to Apple’s lawsuit highlights a series of missteps by the tech giant and raises questions about its handling of former employees’ access to confidential information. The company argues that it would have been happy to work with Apple to resolve these issues if they had raised them before filing the lawsuit. However, instead of addressing the concerns directly, Apple chose to pursue a lawsuit based on false information.

The emails between Chang Liu and his former colleagues reveal that he was asked to help locate files and information for their work at Apple after leaving the company. This raises questions about how Apple manages system access when employees depart. OpenAI argues that this is a common issue with Apple caused by failing to properly manage system access when people leave.

The lawsuit against Tang Tan accuses him of trying to get and use trade secrets from Apple. However, OpenAI points out that Tan has consistently maintained he does not want or need any confidential information from other companies. The company argues that this is a clear example of Apple’s attempt to shift the blame onto former employees rather than taking responsibility for its own mistakes.

OpenAI wishes it had been given the opportunity to work with Apple to resolve these issues before the lawsuit was filed. Instead, they are left to respond to Apple’s accusations and defend themselves against what OpenAI sees as baseless claims.