OpenAI has asked a US federal judge to dismiss Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit, arguing that it has no interest in the iPhone maker’s confidential information and is developing a completely different consumer hardware product.
OpenAI has moved to dismiss Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit, rejecting allegations that it stole confidential information from the iPhone maker to accelerate its push into consumer AI hardware.
The motion, filed in a California federal court on Wednesday, comes weeks after Apple sued OpenAI and two former Apple employees, accusing them of misappropriating trade secrets through recruitment, supplier relationships and confidential company information. Apple claims the alleged misconduct was intended to speed up OpenAI’s expansion into consumer devices that could eventually compete with the iPhone.
In its filing, OpenAI strongly denied the allegations, telling the court it had “no use, need or desire” for Apple’s proprietary information.
“OpenAI is building something entirely new and different from anything at Apple,” the company said in its legal response.
OpenAI argued that Apple’s complaint fails to clearly identify any legally protected trade secrets or provide sufficient evidence that confidential information was stolen or misused. The company also said Apple was attempting to use the lawsuit to distract from its own struggles with retaining engineering talent and advancing its artificial intelligence products.
SEE ALSO: Apple seeks court order against OpenAI in escalating trade secrets battle
Apple has not publicly responded to OpenAI’s latest court filing. Earlier this week, the company asked the court for a preliminary injunction that would prevent OpenAI and the former Apple employees from accessing or using any alleged confidential information while the case proceeds. Apple also requested expedited discovery, including depositions from former employees and OpenAI executives.
The legal battle highlights the growing rivalry between two companies that remain business partners despite the dispute. Apple currently integrates ChatGPT into Siri and allows iPhone users to subscribe to ChatGPT through iOS, but both firms are increasingly competing for AI talent and the future of consumer hardware. Analysts believe OpenAI is developing its own AI-powered device, setting the stage for a broader contest over the next generation of personal technology.
